Auto Magazine

Diesel vs Gasoline Engine: The Bitter Impasse

by Anica Oaks on 2014/10/27 in On the Road with Comments Off

On October 17, 2002, the Banks Dodge Dakota Sidewinder rolled onto five feet of white potash salt in the shadow of the hazy Silver Island Mountains at Bonneville, Utah. It carried a 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine with 1,300 lb-ft of torque. Three days later, it would set a world speed record of 222 mph. Before the trials, company president Gale Banks announced, “Diesel has a negative image in many quarters. We intend to erase that image.”

The lines were drawn.

Citius, Altius, Fortius: Diesel’s Low-End Torque

Diesel engines create immense amounts of torque for the reasons of turbocharger boost (optional), stroke length, and average effective cylinder pressure. Most diesel powertrains are made with forged components to withstand the high compression ratios – 20:1 is typical – and are thus capable of transmitting the extra torque from a long piston stroke. As Archimedes said, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.”

Big Bang, Small Package: Gas’s Power-to-Weight Ratio

In January 2014, Nissan unveiled a 400-horsepower 1.5-liter engine small enough to fit inside a hiking backpack. The engine, destined for the ZEOD RC, weighs only 88 pounds. Such technology proves that gasoline engines are capable of tremendous power-to-weight ratios, which are becoming increasingly important as western nations adopt suburban lifestyles and lightweight cars.

Built to Impress: Diesel’s Long-Lasting Reliability

In May 2005, Mercedes grabbed three E-Class sedans off the production line, gave each an experimental V6 CDI diesel engine and raced them around a Texas track for 100,000 miles. Each car ran for 30 days at an average of 140 mph, averaged 18 mpg and satisfied CARB emission standards. None broke.

Modern diesel engines are the posterity of the compression-ignition powerplants used to motivate great marine steel carriers. Their lower RPMs, mechanical ignition systems and heavy-duty components guarantee years of use. Plus, they average 20-30 percent better adjusted fuel economy than their gas counterparts. If they do break, aftermarket parts like front-end conversions and brake upgrades are available from Pure Diesel Power.

Popularity Contest: Gas’s Availability

Diesel-powered cars make up 2.8 percent of American passenger vehicles. Gasoline is America’s pet, and the reason is simple: price. A Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel, for instance, costs $4,500 more than the base V6 model. The payback period extends far beyond the average length of new car ownership.

As of now, gasoline engines remain the most versatile and widely used engines in America. But thanks to clean-diesel exhaust fluids, noise cancellation technology and icons like the Sidewinder, diesel may not have long to wait.

How to Prepare Your Truck for a Long Road Trip

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/24 in Trucks with Comments Off

Before heading out on the road and putting hundreds of miles on your truck during a long road trip, there are several steps to take to ensure that you prepare your truck for the distance ahead. Many people forget to inspect the truck and make minor repairs before driving for several hours, which can put excessive wear on the vehicle and cause mechanical issues. To prepare your truck and keep it in great condition, there are a few steps to take ahead of time.

Check Fluid Levels

The engine oil, washer fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid and coolant should all be checked ahead of time to ensure that the engine runs properly. Refill the fluids that are low and replace filters that have become worn over time with the help of a professional mechanic. You will want to have a complete system flush after so many thousands of miles. Doing this will help your truck drive better especially when you are ready for a long road trip. The other reason is, as the fluids age, it can be really hard on the system of your truck if you let old fluid just sit in there. You will especially want to change out your anti-freeze every so often or it will eventually freeze if it is too old.

Inspect the Tire Pressure

To increase your fuel efficiency and prevent flat tires while driving, it’s crucial to inspect your truck’s tire pressure and refill it at a local gas station. This especially needs to be checked before you leave for a long road trip. You also want to keep your tires at an even pressure or your low tire pressure warning light can go off because of the uneven pressure. You should also check the wear on the tires with a tire tread depth gauge or by placing a penny in one of the grooves. Make sure that a spare tire is available in the vehicle and that you learn how to change a tire before leaving on the trip.

Look at the Brakes

An expert should inspect the brakes before going on a road trip to ensure that they still have plenty of padding left and can function properly without grinding until you return. Make sure that the pedal doesn’t feel softer than normal in the truck or squeal, which is often a common sign of deterioration and wear that has occurred.

Conduct General Maintenance

From oil changes to replacing your air filter, it’s important to conduct general maintenance on your truck each month to ensure that each part continues to function properly (Source: 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd.). With routine inspections and care for the vehicle, it will work to maintain the function of the transmission and allow everything to run smoothly.

When leaving for the open road with your truck, there are a few steps to take to prepare the vehicle to ensure that it functions well with excess use. You can preserve the truck and extend its lifespan with the right maintenance and repairs performed for a vehicle that you can continue to use for many years.

Top 10 Affordable Cars that Make You’re Traveling Easier

by Amelia on 2014/10/20 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off

We all love the thrill of traveling and getting to explore new places. Unfortunately, traveling becomes a costly luxury when one cannot get affordable cars. This should not be the case as there are many cars that can give you a pleasant traveling experience without draining your bank account.

The following are affordable cars that will make traveling an unforgettable experience.

Toyota Vios

The Vios is a 4-door sedan with efficient fuel consumption that will give you about 15.8 km/ per liter (both the E and G grades). Both the E and G grade models reach a maximum speed of 170km per hour and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 12 seconds.

Suzuki Swift Sport

The Swift is a hatchback that boasts of better handling, environmental compatibility, and economic fuel consumption. It comes with a 1.6 liter engine, and a 42-litre fuel tank capacity. Its 3-door option has a capacity of 4 persons while the 5-door variant has a capacity of 5 persons.

Honda CR-V (RD4)

The RD4 is a second generation variant of the Honda CR-V. This 5-door compact SUV has a capacity of 5. It has rear seats that can fold down and a picnic table is folded down in the rear floor. Its fuel consumption is relatively efficient given that a liter of petrol can give you about 11.9 km.

Daewoo Leganza

The 2002 Daewoo Leganza is a 4-door sedan powered by a 2.2 liter engine. It has a top speed of 206km/h and can reach 100km/h in 10.2 seconds. The car consumes 13 liters for every 100km in an urban area.

Nissan Tiida

The Tiida, also known as the Nissan Versa, is a 5-door hatchback (and 4-door saloon) that derives power from a 1.8 litre, 4-cylinder engine. Its fuel tank can hold 52 liters of fuel. The Tilda has a carrying capacity of 5 persons.

Toyota Prius

The Prius is undoubtedly one of the most advanced yet affordable hybrid cars out there. This car has amazing fuel efficiency; with its four-cylinder engine, it can move you about 25km on just a liter. It has a top speed of 180km and accelerates to 100km in just 10 seconds.

Honda Fit Hybrid

The Honda Fit Hybrid, also known as the Fit Shuttle Hybrid-C, was first released in 2012. This 5-door station wagon is powered by a 1.3 liter engine. Its fuel tank has an ample capacity of 42 liters, meaning you can travel over long distances without the bother of having to refill it constantly. It has a carrying capacity of 5 persons.

Toyota Aqua

The Aqua, also known as the Prius C, is a 5-door hatchback with a carrying capacity of 5 persons. It derives power from a 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder engine capable of giving you a whole 37km for just a liter. Its fuel tank is capable of holding 36 liters. The car also sports water repellent front windows and a Start/Stop system that significantly reduces fuel consumption.

Perouda Viva Elite

The Perouda Viva ELITE is a city car first released in 2007. It is powered by a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder engine, capable of giving you 15km per liter and a top speed of 160km/h. Its fuel tank can hold 36 liters of fuel. The car has a carrying capacity of 5 persons.

Honda Insight

The 2014 Honda Insight is an affordable small hybrid hatchback powered by a 1.3 liter, 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor. This front-wheel drive car can seat 5. Although it is fuel efficient, the Insight falls slightly behind superior hybrids like the Prius.

All these cars are available at major car rental companies. And when you decide to go to Australia, do not forget to bring your Australian Visa.

Car Insurance: 3 Benefits to Having Your Own Insurance Agent

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/17 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off

Having your own insurance agent is a good way to keep your insurance simple. You may have been happy with service you got from the corporate office, but there is a great deal you can do when you have an insurance agent who is focused on you. These private businesses are there to service customer accounts while also providing assistance to the community at large.

Personalized Service

When you are working with your own insurance agent, they know you inside and out. They are able to keep up with you, and they know what your specific needs are. When you call them because you have purchased a new car, they know that you likely want the same insurance as you did before. When you have kids, they know that you need comprehensive coverage for the family car. They may also recommend collision coverage for the car you drive to work so that you can save money (Source: Meyer’s Insurance Ltd.).

Something that can’t be stressed enough is that having an insurance agent personalized. They can help you anytime with any issues that you may be having with your insurance. With that said, many people are getting their insurance online now which often takes away the benefits of having a personalized agent. Dealing with insurance on your own and over the internet can be complicated and confusing. There is no personal touch with it that an insurance agent can provide. Also, the quality of customer service tends to be lower online than with your own agent.

Savings

Most people who are looking for savings will only get those savings from their local agent. The local agent spends most of their time trying to figure out how to save money for their customers. The agent makes commission on each policy, and they need to make sure that all customers retain their policies. If the agent is able to save you money, you are more likely to stay with them.

The agent also knows all of the discount programs that are specific to your job, your area or the size of your family. You get personalized service from someone who is spending all day trying to help people just like you. Your insurance agent will disclose any and all discounts that are available to you, but don’t be afraid to inquire about other discounts that you may not yet be able to qualify for as your agent will give you information about how to be able to qualify for those discounts as well.

They Are Close

The local insurance agent has an office in your community that you can visit at any time. The local insurance agent also has a phone number you can call directly. You never have to wait for a customer service agent to answer the phone, and you do not need to wait for someone to get back to you. The insurance company is not distant from you, and you know that other people in the community can give you extra information about working with the agent.

When you are working with your own insurance agent, you will find that you save more money, get better service and better policies. The local agent is committed to you and your community. Also, the local agent knows how to help you get just the insurance you need.

Ways To Get The Best Deals For Your Needed Car Parts

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/15 in Auto Parts with Comments Off

Saving money on automotive parts is a great way to lower repair costs. Even if you’re not doing the work yourself, acquiring used or wholesale parts can drastically reduce the overall price of vehicle repairs. Labor is already pretty steep with an average of $60 to $65 per hour for most ASC certified mechanics. However, it’s relatively easy to locate and gather the parts needed without relying on the service stations typically high-priced materials.

Search Online

There are a number of reliable wholesale auto parts suppliers on the Internet. According to Pure Diesel Power, a company that provides Chevy diesel engine parts, more and more people are buying auto parts through the Internet. The important thing to remember is to thoroughly vet a site before you buy. Make sure the parts they supply are good and that they’re legitimate. Reading customer reviews and ratings is a great way to find the truth about online auto parts dealers.

The Full-service Junkyard

These auto parts goldmines are all over the country. They typically have hundreds of cars in every make and model. The yard’s employees will remove and stock the most commonly sought after items. However, you can call beforehand and special order an item. The yard attendants will remove the part and have it ready for when you arrive. These full-service yards charge a bit more for their parts than other solutions.

The You-Pick Junkyard

If you’re mechanically inclined, then this is probably the best choice. These junkyards are similar to their full-service cousins except that you pull the parts on your own. They typically separate vehicles based on the make and model making it quick and easy to locate what you need. Make sure to bring all the tools that you’ll need to remove the part. There’s nothing worse than getting out into the yard and realizing you’re missing a certain tool. This is one of the cheapest ways to get auto parts. Just be prepared to do a bit of work.

Refurbished Parts

Most auto parts dealers offer refurbished varieties of the parts that they sell. When you’re shopping for a part, be sure to inquire about a refurbished option. These parts are typically just as good as a new one and sometimes only a third of the price.

There are many ways to find cheap auto parts. If you do a little shopping and looking around, you’re bound to find what you need and save a lot of money in the process.