Subscribe to RSSArchive for the ‘Articles’ Category:
Getting Cleaner
Auto emissions are 75 percent to 90 percent cleaner than they were before more stringent federal emissions standards were enacted in 1970, says EPA spokesperson Catherine Milbourn. “Even the worst polluters on the road today are far cleaner than most vehicles were a few decades ago,” she says.
The worst polluter on our list, the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI, emits 83 percent less nitrogen oxide and 89 percent less carbon monoxide than the average vehicle built in 1970, according to EPA historical data.
Widespread use of catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation, particulate filters and reformulated fuel are the main reasons today’s vehicles pollute far less than their predecessors.
And things will only get better: Some of the biggest polluters on our top 10 list will be cleaning up their acts for the 2009 model year, thanks to the advent of new diesel engine technology.
A new version of Volkswagen’s Touareg is among a group of next-generation diesel vehicles from Audi (owned by Volkswagen), BMW, Mercedes-Benz and others. These new and improved diesels will include special catalytic converters and a system that injects urea into the exhaust stream to neutralize pollutants and drastically reduce emissions.
They will start hitting the market late this year and are expected to receive an EPA air pollution score of 6. That’s enough to pass California’s stricter emissions standards, which so far have kept diesel vehicles from being sold there and in other so-called “green” states that have adopted California’s emissions laws: Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
Popularity: 4% [?]
Used motor oil poses the greatest environmental risk of all automotive fluids because it is insoluble, persistent, and contains heavy metal and toxic chemicals?
According to a recent study by the California Integrated Waste Management Board, 73 percent of California drivers change their oil more frequently than required. This same scenario no doubt repeats itself across the country. Besides wasting money, this translates into unnecessary consumption of $100-a-barrel oil, much of it imported.
Using 2005 data, the Board estimates that Californians alone generate about 153.5 million gallons of waste oil annually, of which only about 60 percent is recycled. Used motor oil poses the greatest environmental risk of all automotive fluids because it is insoluble, persistent, and contains heavy metal and toxic chemicals. One gallon of used oil can foul the taste of one million gallons of water.
It’s been a misconception for years that engine oil should be changed every 3000 miles, even though most auto manufacturers now recommend oil changes at 5,000, 7,000, or even 10,000 mile intervals under normal driving conditions.
Greatly improved oils, including synthetic oils, coupled with better engines mean longer spans between oil changes without harming an engine. The 3000 mile interval is a carryover from days when engines used single-grade, non-detergent oils.
For several years, automakers like General Motors, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have installed computerized systems that alert drivers via an instrument panel light when it’s time to change oil. As an example, the General Motor Oil Life System (GMOLS) analyzes the engine temperature, rpms, vehicle speeds, and other driving conditions to calculate the rate of engine oil degradation. Then, software calculates when the oil needs to be changed. Other systems work similarly.
Because of the many external conditions and parameters that have to be taken into account, calculating the precise maximum service interval using mathematical models alone is difficult. Now, Daimler AG has developed a more direct and precise way to monitor oil quality directly on board a vehicle.
Daimler uses a special sensor integrated into the oil circuit to monitor engine oil directly. Oil doesn’t wear out, but rather dirt and impurities cause oil to lose its ability to lubricate properly, dictating the need for a change. Daimler uses the oil’s “permittivity,” that is, the ability to polarize in response to the electric field. If the engine oil is contaminated by water or soot particles, it polarizes to a greater extent and its permittivity increases.
To evaluate the quality of the oil, permittivity is measured by applying an AC potential between the interior and exterior pipes of an oil-filled sensor to determine how well the oil transmits the applied electric field.
Because not all impurities can be measured with sufficient precision via the electric field method, Daimler also measures the oil’s viscosity to detect any fuel that may have seeped into the oil. Daimler researchers measure viscosity while the vehicle is in motion by observing the oil’s side-to-side motion in the oil sump. The slower the oil moves, the higher its viscosity. This movement is registered by a sensor and the viscosity is calculated on this basis.
A single sensor, along with the information already monitored by on-board computers, is sufficient to determine the various parameters of the engine oil. Daimler will likely use the technology first on its commercial vehicles. Here, large oil reservoirs mean larger quantities of oil can be saved. Plus, a predicted 25 percent increase between service intervals and reduced downtime will be of interest to fleets, and thus justify the added cost of installation.
Popularity: 5% [?]
Official increase of 40% of the fuel, which is RM0.78
Official increase of 40% of the fuel, which is RM0.78 (seventy-eight cents)
Starting from midnight Thursday, 05 June 2008, 12h
A chain effect by raging fuel pump country both Thai and Singapore foreign registered vehicles has died of the Government of Malaysia for the policy that.
But it was only the latest outrage of diesel pump Thai foreign-registered vehicles, the collection of throttle, the government has much grant bags, it cost a total of 55-56 billion ringgit in 2008 to a current oil prices, hovering around the $ 127 per barrel .
Petrol prices in Malaysia is one of the cheapest in Asia, with gasoline selling for only 1.92 ringgit a litre less than half the price in neighbouring Singapore.
After the walk RM1.92 (S $ 0.81) -> RM2.70 (S $ 1.44), and is expected to increase in August 2008
Popularity: 4% [?]
Wraps are off the new SEAT Ibiza
Sleek lines and an all-new style – SEAT’s new Ibiza supermini has just been revealed.
Shown in five-door form at a special event at the firm’s factory near Barcelona in Spain, the Ford Fiesta rival follows on from the Bocanegra concept revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Larger than its predecessor, SEAT is describing the fresh faced Ibiza as the most important new model in the firm’s recent history.
Penned by ex-Lamborghini stylist Luc Donckerwolke, the hatchback measures 4.05 metres – the old model was 3.97 metres long. As a result it comes with a 292 litre boot, which is the biggest in the class.
Although it has increased in size, the newcomer weighs on average 25kg less than its predecessor. This boosts efficiency and reduces emissions, with all models in the range producing less than 160g/km of CO2.
Despite the diet, the SEAT still gets plenty of the hi-tech kit. Included in the line-up is a seven-speed DSG sequential manual gearbox, Hill Hold Assist, Bi-Xenon directional headlamps and tyre pressure monitoring.
Drivers can expect a driving experience to match the best in the class. Company bosses are keen to build on the brand’s sporty image and have paid particular attention to chassis development. Engineers efforts have been helped by the fact Ibiza is the first model to use parent company VW’s all-new small car platform that will also be used on the next generation Polo.
Hot hatch fans will have to wait for the arrival of the three-door version. Called the Sport Coupe it is almost identical in look to the rakish Bocanegra concept and will be the basis for scorching FR and Cupra models.
All versions will benefit from a new cabin, which gets a high quality makeover with soft-touch plastics and excellent fit and finish. A team of engineers was drafted in from sister company Audi and they used the A3 premium hatch as a benchmark for build.
The interior comes packed with technology, featuring an MP3/iPod connection and a universal aftermarket sat-nav dashboard mounting that does away with the usual mess of wires and windscreen suckers.
Buyers will initially have the choice of 1.2-litre three-cylinder or 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. Initially just one diesel engine will be fitted, the familiar 105bhp 1.9-litre unit.
Expect prices to be slightly higher than the outgoing model when the first examples hit UK showrooms in July
Articel from : Auto Express
Popularity: 8% [?]
6 Tips For Saving Gas
In the past months we have seen the price of gasoline soar higher than ever before, and this can be hard on people who have a budget that is tight. Even though gas prices have come down a slight bit, you still will want to do everything you possibly can to save on the money you have to pay out for gas. There are a variety of ways that you can save gas, and save money.
Tip#1 - Start Carpooling
Carpooling is a great idea for fellow students and fellow employees both. If you can find people that are going to the same place you are you can save gas by riding together. It may be a good idea to trade off on who is driving from week to week so no one person gets stuck having to drive all the time. If you have to take your children to school or other functions you can also work on trading off with your friends and neighbors to take them there.
Tip#2 - Public Transportation
If it is possible you can take public transportation to work instead of driving your car. Not only will this save you money on gas, but you will also be able to relax and not worry about having to drive through all that rush hour traffic. You may even be able to fit in a quick nap on your way to work or on your way home.
Tip#3 - Price Shop
Often it may be so convenient to buy your gas at the small gas station just up the road, but to save some money on gas you may want to check the prices at other gas stations that are nearby as well. Even if the difference is only a few cents, after putting hundreds of gallons of gas in you vehicle each year, those few cents are going to add up to quite a sum of money.
Tip#4 - Get Moving
You can save some money on gas if you start walking to where you are going, or you can ride a bike as well. You will not have to worry about paying to park your car, and the exercise will be great for you body. If you are walking or biking you will not have to worry about those huge traffic jams either.
Tip#5 - Take Care of Your Car
It is always important to take care of your car so it gets the best gas mileage possible. Also be sure to plan where you are going before you go so you will not have to backtrack and waste gas. If you can, you should use your air conditioning as little as possible because using it takes more gas. Roll down your windows and you will use less gas.
Tip#6 - Check your Tires
It is important that you check the air pressure in your tires as often as possible. If your tires are too low, or the pressure in them is unequal it can make your car burn more gas. You should also be careful how you drive. If you take off from every red light very fast you are going to burn more fuel, so it is best to take off a little slower.
These are a few tips that can help the money conscious person to save money on gas. Even as gas prices drop, these tips can still help you to save more money. Conservation is important, so take advantage of these tips, save money, and save gas.
About The Author
Jackson Porter is a staff writer at http://www.automobileenthusiast.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.environmental-central.com.
Popularity: 7% [?]
