Thursday 31 October 2013

How to Save Fuel With Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars are designed to operate in the same range of conditions and temperatures as conventional vehicles. And are powered by combined fuel technologies. With the use of a rechargeable energy storage system to supplement fossil fuel energy for car propulsion. The latest generation will be blessed with revolutionary fuel cells. Learn about the way they combine the use of gasoline and electric power for greater efficiency on the road. More than just great fuel economy, they offer many green advantages as well. And are powered by an electric battery as well as a gasoline engine. The purpose of  is to combine a gas engine and an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. And are good for the environment.
Hybrid cars operate differently depending on your current driving modes. Many people buy hydrogen cars hoping to save money in the long run by spending less on gas. The solution, many now believe, is to fit electric and hydrogen vehicles with external sound systems. Gas electric vehicles is no longer considered as antique and they are very much driving into the mainstream automobile market with full stream. This is evident with the new hydrogen automobiles that are being launched in the market with great speed. In these two, price is the real factor and the present hydrogen automobile are not meeting it effectively. This money could be saved by higher fuel efficiency of autos but would take on an average 6 years. These people have turned popular hybrid cars into plug in autos, which could be recharged using off peak electricity from the mains.
Last year 88,000 hybrid cars were sold in United States. The automakers like Ford is training 1000s of mechanics at dealership for servicing higher fuel efficiency autos. There are incentives in the form of tax rebates on purchase price in the US and some states offer the use of low traffic lanes to hydrogen vehicles . These new cars are innovative, efficient and affordable. To determine this first you need to understand how technology works, the benefits and the disadvantages. There are honestly one the greatest inventions in the world. Regular hydrogen autos use an engine to charge their batteries.
Scientists have revolutionized the design of fuel cells used in the latest generation  which could make the vehicles more reliable and cheaper to build. A scientist has proposed a way to make them more efficient, by solving a problem in the vehicles that leads to a waste of energy and very high fuel consumption. Many also use regenerated energy captured through braking to charge their batteries. They have two engines to power them, it they can automatically shut off the gas powered engine when the car is idle and use its electric engine to power it. A executive has said the automaker will consider building cheaper hybrid car as an interim measure, while its full electric car roll out takes shape. They are so quiet when operating only with their electric motors that they may pose a risk to the blind and some other pedestrians, research by a University of California, Riverside psychologist suggests.
Ronald W. Firquain is a auto mechanic, musician, Arabian horse owner for 20 years, writer, marketer, entrepreneur, webmaster and has 19 years of computer experience. hybrid cars


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2813757

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Three Ways to Save Fossil Fuels

We should all be thinking about ways to save fossil fuels by reducing our heavy dependency upon them. Fossil fuels have become such a part of our lives, that it is often difficult to picture a world without them, but one day this will be a reality.
This makes it very important to look for ways to save fossil fuels or use alternative energy sources so that we no longer need to use them. These fuels are a non renewable resource, found deep within the bowels of our planet. Once we extract them, they are not replaced, ever.
There are some ways to save fossil fuels and to move away from their use that we can all work on each and every day.
1. Think about your car and your daily use of it. Is your car an older car that consumes a lot of gas? If so, you may consider purchasing an updated, more fuel efficient vehicle, or a vehicle that runs on an alternative fuel source, other than fossil fuels.
2. Consider alternative sources for heating your home, other than oil. There are far more efficient methods of heating and cooling your home, including geothermal systems and heat exchange units which are also very energy efficient.
3. Look into alternative ways to produce electricity in your home, other than your local electrical company. These methods can include the installation of solar panels and wind turbines. These are two very good ways of harnessing natural, renewable energy and also saving a lot of money in the process.
Making many of these choices on our own and working towards reducing our overall carbon footprint is crucial, before those choices are made for us. Most people think we have endless resources, but the truth is that if we do not smarten up and start to conserve resources and non renewable fuels, we will run into a lot of problems in the future.
If you are concern about the environment, increasing prices and this devastating economy, there's no better time right now to stop wasting your hard-earned cash and start generating your own electricity [http://www.energy4greenworld.com]


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4163166

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Partner With Your Fuel Company to Save Money

Everyone can agree: Paying bills is not fun. But when it comes to your energy bill, you may be able to save some dough and in doing so, save Mother Earth as well. The average American household spends most of its energy bill on heating and cooling their home. But with just a little bit of research into your fuel company and their policies, you will be surprised at what you will be able to save!
Since global climate change has become a defining issue of the 21st century, many governments have enacted policies that encourage businesses, like your local fuel company, to cut back on energy consumption and encourage environmental stewardship amongst their customers. Companies achieve this in many different ways, any of which can be used to your advantage.
One of these uses new technology that allows the fuel company to control the temperature of your home. While this may sound a bit crazy at first, the company isn't interested in cranking up the heat in your home in order for them to earn more revenue. Instead, this allows them to meet certain governmental goals for the overall energy consumption of their client base. What this means for you is that by installing a new thermostat that gives the company access to your heating control, you allow them to help your home stay warm at peak efficiency. In general, you should try to accustom yourself to warmer temperatures in the summer (most suggest around 80°F) and cooler temperatures in the winter (around 65°F).
Similarly, companies also offer rebates to individuals who install energy efficient furnaces and thermostats in their homes. The rebates help to offset the cost of purchasing a new furnace or thermostat, while the devices themselves allow you to heat your home without wasting as much energy (and money) in inefficiency. Since these green devices have become more popular over time, they have become a significantly more affordable option for those looking to reduce their heating bill in the long run.
Your fuel company may also have resources dedicated to offering you information on other ways to reduce your bill. Since most people pay their bills online, these companies often offer consumers programs and tools to track their energy consumption from month to month. For example, you can look at your bill compared to the average temperature for that month, allowing you to gain insight into how you consume through the changing seasons. These websites can also provide tips and information on how to better insulate your home by using energy efficient insulation, windows, and doors, which keeps the expensive heat from escaping.
In general, your local business is an excellent resource to turn to when looking to heat or cool your home more efficiently. While it may not seem obvious at first, they are just as interested in keeping their customers happy as they are in meeting new government incentives for reduces fuel consumption. By following their common sense advice, you will be sure to save some money!
If you're looking for a great fuel company, Kalamazoo has what you need with Knapp Energy, Inc. To learn more about their many services, please visit http://www.knappenergy.com/fuels/.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7984092

Monday 28 October 2013

Six Ways To Save Petrol And Improve Fuel Economy

With the price of fuel these days, everyone is looking to save money. Plus, today's drivers are very conscious of the effects of emissions on the climate. With that in mind, here are six easy ways you can increase fuel economy, save some money, and help out the planet at the same time.
Check Tyre Pressure Monthly
This is one maintenance tip that many people forget, but tyres lose pressure every month. Refilling the tyres increases the auto's performance and reduces petrol consumption. Under-inflated tires will create more drag and friction which requires more power from the engine to keep up.
Lay Off The Accelerator
This is the one driving habit that has the biggest impact on petrol usage. Even with two identical cars between two different drivers, there can be a wide range of petrol usage based on how the accelerator is used. Sudden bursts of speed require a lot more fuel than gradual acceleration. Plus, wind resistance increases at higher speeds so cutting back a few kph will translate into a very large savings.
Replace Dirty Air Filters
A dirty air filter robs the engine of power and wastes fuel. The easiest way to spot a dirty filter is to remove it and hold it up to the sun. If you can't see light through it, it needs to be replaced. Otherwise, your auto repair mechanic can check it when it's time for the next oil change.
Stick With Stock, Narrow Wheels
Some motorists love to customise their cars with the latest and greatest in after-market parts, especially new tyres and wheels. If you choose to put wider wheels on your auto, petrol usage will be increased because wider wheels have more contact with the road and create more rolling resistance. You can still buy nice rims and sports tyres, but keep the stock wheel base.
Clean Out Your Auto And Add Kilometres
Surprisingly enough, the clutter in the boot or in the vehicle itself will increase fuel usage over time. It might not seem like a lot, but even 20 kilos of stuff in the auto impacts the kilometres per tank. Even if it is just a little extra every time you fill up the petrol tank, multiply that over a year and it does add up. Cleaning up the clutter not only makes your auto look great but perform better as well.
Driving Less - Carpooling And More
The best way to save money is to simply drive less whenever possible. This includes carpooling for the daily commute. It pays to drive a little bit out of the way to pick up co-workers in order to take another vehicle off of the road. If you switch driving duties with one other person every week, that cuts your daily fuel consumption in half!
In addition to carpooling, you can plan your trips to reduce petrol usage. Instead of making two or three trips during the course of a day or weekend, consolidate all of your errands into one longer trip.
In the end, it is always worth it to save petrol and money.
Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge is Queensland's top dealer for auto shoppers looking to buy Chryslers in Brisbane and Jeeps in Brisbane. Northstar has a wide selection of autos, including the latest models to roll off of the factory like the 2014 Grand Cherokee in Brisbane.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7990057

Sunday 27 October 2013

How to Save Money on Fuel Without Buying a New Car

With petrol prices rising to an all-time high, many of us are noticing the considerably larger dent in our pockets. But there are ways to save money at the pumps without having to fork out for a new, more fuel efficient motor. Here's just a few:
Compare Petrol Prices
Petrol and diesel prices can vary by as much as 4p per litre between petrol stations, even within the same area of the country. It might not sound like much but it all adds up. You don't have to waste time and money searching out the cheapest though, websites such as petrolprices.com and iPhone apps such as Gas Buddy, allow you to find the cheapest petrol station in your area by simply entering your postcode. Try and work a trip to the cheapest station into your daily route, but don't go too far out of your way as you may find you are adding on the miles and burning more fuel. Supermarkets often have cheaper fuel prices than roadside stations so next time you top up your store cupboard top up your car at the same time.
Use Fuel Vouchers and Cards
Only a small percentage of people actually use supermarket fuel vouchers but they can save you more than you think. Most big fuel companies, such as Shell and BP, also have 'loyalty' cards. With Shell Driver's Club you can collect points each time you fill up and earn money off fuel vouchers and although BP Plus Fuel Card ® is designed for commercial customers, individuals can apply for one. You can also collect nectar points at BP stations.
Don't Drive With a Full Tank
Did you know that filling your tank just half way each time you visit the pump saves you money? Filling your tank to the top might save you visiting the petrol pump as often but will burn more fuel as a heavy tank adds extra weight.
Check Your Tyres Regularly
Checking your tyres regularly is important for safety but it could also save you money. An under-inflated tyre can cost as much as 5% more in fuel costs, per journey, so make sure your tyres are inflated correctly at all times.
Drive Slower
We always seem in a rush on the roads these days, but did you know that driving at 80mph, as well as being illegal, can use up to 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph. Although it depends on the car you drive the optimum speed is around 50-55mph.
Avoid Rush Hour
Maintaining a constant speed uses less fuel, so driving in rush hour, stop start traffic will burn fuel quickly. If possible avoid peak times on the road and routes that include lots of traffic lights!
Change Your Driving Style
Accelerating quickly when pulling away and braking sharply reduce mileage, so try to avoid this. Anticipating what is ahead will ensure you don't need to slam on the breaks or speed up suddenly. After years of driving you have probably got into bad habit but keeping gear changes smooth and changing gear as soon as possible puts less strain on the engine, using less fuel.
Drive Less
One way to really save on fuel is to drive your car less; car sharing is a great way to cut down on fuel consumption and save money. Even if driving your Chevrolet to Glasgow for work is unavoidable you could try ditching the car at weekend and walking to town rather than taking the car.
Amy Sawyer is an online marketing executive currently researching Chevrolet in Glasgow


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6059728

Friday 25 October 2013

Save Fuel and Money: 8 Tips That Can Help Change Your Driving Habits and Save

With fuel prices increasing dramatically it is not surprising people start to wonder how to save. The truth is that we all need fuel, and that the price of fuel is the price of fuel. One of my current jobs is as a duty driver for a company and I try to drive safely and economically. What people don't want to hear, is that the way you drive, dramatically effects your fuel usage. Changing your driving style can save you fuel, and money.
Good driving is a habit, and like all habits it requires practice to establish. These tips will help you to build a good driving habit.
Tip 1:
Aggressive driving and excessive speed is a fuel waster. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Driving fast between traffic lights means you burn fuel to create energy to accelerate, and then wear your brakes to lose that energy as friction to stop. You lose both ways, fuel consumption and brake wear. Keep to the speed limit or the traffic flow speed and look ahead to see what the lights are doing. Adjust your driving accordingly.
Tip 2:
Bring the engine to normal operating temp as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator for the first few minutes. A cold engine uses more fuel and wears more. Try to avoid driving short distances that do not allow engine to reach optimum temperature.
Tip 3:
Keep to speed limits, not only to avoid the cost of fines, but a car travelling 120km/h uses 20% less fuel than at 140km/h. While on the topic of speed, posted signs are not only the law, they are practical. A civil engineer lays down a road surface with a certain speed range in mind. The kind of gravel used in the surface, the way the layers are compacted and the drainage, (among other things) all relate to the planned speed range of that road.. Keeping to the speed limit for a given road surface makes for a safer ride and a saving in fuel consumption.
Tip 4:
Check tyre pressure frequently, at least once a week. Do this when the tires are cold. Besides the danger of the tyre bursting, under-inflation leads to increased wear and drag from incorrect tyre pressures increases fuel consumption. Make sure that you inflate the tyres to the pressure specified by the manufacturer, for the speed and the load you are driving with. See your vehicle manual. This is especially pertinent if you usually drive short distances and are now undertaking a long journey.
Tip 5:
A roof rack increases resistance and consequently fuel consumption, as does dragging a trailer. Remove the roof rack when not in use and when dragging a trailer make sure it's tires have sufficient tread, are correctly inflated, and that the trailer is in good repair.
Tip 6:
Avoid using the air-conditioner when not required. The aircon compressor places an additional load on the engine. At high speeds, it is better to have the aircon on, than to have it off and windows open. According to research, the drag of open windows uses more fuel than the air-conditioner.
Tip 7:
The best driving habit of all, is to think ahead, to have a plan and to adjust your driving style to the prevailing road conditions as you travel.
Tip 8:
A well maintained vehicle will save you fuel. Service your car as recommended by the manufacturer. Fuel wasters related to the condition of the vehicle are;
  • Worn or dirty plugs
  • Incorrect spark plug gap (on older vehicles)
  • Dirty air filter
  • Dirty oil or clogged oil filter
  • Dragging brakes
  • Wheel alignment that is out
Happy driving everyone!
About the author: Julian Beams has a wide range of interests - technology, theology, psychology, physics, biochemistry, music, writing and more! He reads constantly and for some reason, absorbs silly trivia.
Julian has a 25 year relationship with computers and technology, and since 2008 has authored a website; http://www.getvalue.co.za that is full of tips and advice for getting free stuff and saving money. He is also a fan of 80s music and his latest project is an 80s music, video and trivia site http://www.the80srocks.com/


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7231393

Thursday 24 October 2013

Lower Your Car's Fuel Consumption - Tips on How to Save Money on Fuel!

With today's trend of rising fuel prices, finding a way to reduce the fuel consumption by your vehicle can help your budget immensely, especially if you tend to be on the road a lot. With the proper car maintenance and a few modifications to your driving style you'll be on your may to saving hundreds of dollars on fuel bills. The key to fuel-efficient driving is in your hands.
Car servicing - have your engine checked
Did you know that not servicing your engine regularly can increase fuel consumption of your vehicle by as much as 50%? Auto checks are vital to keeping your engine running smoothly. An engine can fail if some of the components connected to it fails, causing a lot of (expensive) damage. Just changing the dirty spark plugs can lower fuel consumption by 5%!
Check the air-filter
The air filters are the ones that keep dirt from damaging your engine. Over time they tend to clog up and this lowers your engine's fuel efficiency. Having them replaced can lower fuel consumption by as much as 10% and keep your engine protected at the same time.
Drive into higher gear
Driving into lower gear makes your engine consume more fuel than needed. Anytime the situation allows it get your car into higher gear. When you drive in the right gear, the engine more efficiently and consumes less fuel. Once the car gathers momentum, ease up on the acceleration pedal.
Cut down on the air conditioning
Using the air conditioning is sometimes inevitable, especially in hot sunny days, but use of air conditioning also means higher fuel consumption. When AC is on fuel consumption increases by as much as 8% especially in older vehicles. When it's not too hot, use the ventilation system instead or roll down the car windows if you're not driving too fast. Rolling down the windows is not advisable at higher speeds.
Avoid fast driving
The higher your driving speed, the higher the wind resistance against your vehicle, hence more fuel consumed by the engine. Driving 110 km/h means 30% more consumption than driving 80 km/h. The statistics are clear - keep your foot away from the gas pedal whenever possible.
Maintain tire pressure
When the tire pressure is down by just 0.1 psi, fuel consumption increases 3%. Inflate your tires at least once a week. Make it a habit - for example, when you fill your gas tank.
Avoid keeping your car in idle mode
If you are stuck in a traffic jam or you're waiting for someone to run an errand, do not keep your car engine running unnecessarily.
Use appropriate oil
Check your manufacturer's manual to find out the right oil viscosity for your engine. It is advisable to have it changed every 5000-8000 km.
Avoid carrying excessive weight
Every additional 45 kg of weight carried increases fuel consumption 1-2%. Avoid carrying around in your car things you don't need that only add weight to your vehicle.
Close the windows
The wind blowing trough the open windows slows down your car. To make up for it you will probably hit the gas pedal without even realizing it. Instead of opening the windows try using the car's ventilation system.
Star applying these tips today and notice the difference in your car's fuel consumption. Smart driving and regular preventive car service will keep your fuel cost down and save you from expensive car repairs. Don't forget to drive safely.
The Automotive Experts are a car service centre in Melbourne, Australia. We are leading experts on car servicesauto repairs, roadworthy certificate and car servicing.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7389547

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Fleet Maintenance - Tips About How to Save Fuel

Fleet management software is one of the rising industries in vehicles and vehicle management these days. And since the industry recently begun, and it's still expanding, many business fleet owners are still wary of it but hey! Have you witnessed the benefits it offers?
Gasoline, most especially, is constantly climbing which is no longer a joke. Once a week we see improvements in price and it hits not only the vehicle owners but the people who find themselves commuting and are using public transit. However, in this case, if you are a fleet owner and you've fleet maintenance software that helps you in your company, you have to understand these tips in saving more fuel for your business.
1. Vehicle choice - occasionally, the more beautiful the model it is, the more costly it gets when it comes to fuel usage. So what's the catch? There are certain types of vehicles wherein you will find exactly the same specifications and vehicle preferences but can help you save much gasoline. This solution is not only beneficial but also useful for you as a vehicle owner, gasoline costs are increasing and it's also of essence to choose the best vehicle which will fit your budget and more importantly, it also suits your requirements in a vehicle.
2. Vehicle weight because of excessive load - it's demonstrated by a lot of vehicle drivers that loading too much items in your vehicles can eat too much gasoline as well. That is why it is important to evaluate the weight and balance of the same to maintain your vehicle's health.
3. Driver training - It is of the essence that a driver, just before he goes ahead and purchase his own fleet should have the best knowledge in driving. A wise driver can go miles, and an even smarter technique is even safer. It is possible to expect beneficial savings in fuel if you are a smart and knowledgeable driver as well.
4. Speed - reduced speed can maintain or won't take too much of your gasoline. A wise driver should observe the posted speed limit and the speed that he's taking every time. According to a study, an approximate amount of 2.1 million tons of gasoline will be saved every year if individuals will practice their speed limit. This makes sense, doesn't it?
5. Tires - based on a research by Kwik-Fit, roughly 12 million motorists have the opportunity to cut their gasoline consumption if they just check their tires when they get out of town or at best each time they use their vehicles.
Let's all do this not only to strive for less consumption of gasoline, but in addition to lessen the carbon dioxide that gasoline are contributing which causes climate change.
In conclusion
If you're protesting and complaining why gasoline prices are increasing and all of the prices are rising, you might like to experiment with these tips to assist you to save a lot. These pointers can also save and help the world deal with climate change. These aren't just designed to help you save your hard earned money and your pockets from running out of cash, but it also helps save mother Earth from running out of protective sheets to defend us from the sun. Reflect on these simple tips and we'll all live happily and efficiently.
RTA offers a Vehicle Maintenance Software to handle solutions for automotive, school bus and trucking company maintenance & equipment scheduling maintenance. RTA also provides Fleet Management Software.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6994405

Monday 21 October 2013

How to Save Money and Fuel by Reducing the Residual Weight in Your Work Truck

Whether you own one truck or are responsible for a fleet of work trucks and vans, you probably should take a close look at the "residual weight" that is carried every day in the vehicle whether it's needed or not! By residual weight, I mean the weight of tools, parts and equipment carried within the truck body used in the work performed on a regular basis.
Many work trucks are driven around carrying unnecessary tools, equipment and inventory. Tools and parts that are only seldom needed! There's a tendency to carry "everything that you might need" - a reality check might show that it is only used once a year! Not only are you burning more fuel by carrying unnecessary weight, in many cases this may cause a heavier than necessary vehicle being specified for purchase.
Even if you have no plans to specify and buy new trucks, you will save fuel by carrying the right stuff in your existing trucks. If you are looking at new trucks and debating alternative fuels and engines, knowing what your payload needs to be is surely the right first step in considering what to buy!
In a plan to define the type and size of vehicles needed for specific operations, owners and fleet managers might want to initiate a study into the tools and equipment and the parts needed every day for each activity where vehicles are used. If the tools, parts and equipment inventory can be reduced, there will be a resultant payload weight reduction. The benefits of reducing weight are less fuel consumption, potentially less work body tare weight, and perhaps a smaller truck or van.
Conduct a study to show what tools, parts and equipment are actually used; daily, periodically and only on rare occasion.
Involve your workers, make them part of the process. Ask them to report what tools and equipment are used on a daily basis. Also record what inventory of parts is consumed daily as well. Make a spreadsheet list with the tools, equipment and parts being line items and the categories being columns. Collect this data every day. Summarize it weekly and monthly.
The summary should show what "everyday tools are, what is rarely used, and everything in between. Determine what tools, parts and equipment must be carried every day.
Here is a guideline showing improved fuel consumption for 1000 lbs. of reduced payload weight:
Class GVWR Average tare weight Fuel economy improvement for each 1,000 lbs. of tare weight reduction
4 14,001 - 16,000 10,343 5.6%
5 16,001 - 19,500 10,413 4.7%
6 19,501 - 26,000 13,942 3.9%
7 26,001 - 33,000 18,094 2.8%
8a 33,001 - 60,000 23,525 1.9%
8b 60,000 + 28,979 1.1%
Let's face it - workers do not want to be without anything that they need and may resist reducing their tools and equipment; they do not want to be caught short and have to travel back to the facility to get tools, parts or equipment to complete their work.
The workers should know the goals of the program. Realize that by reducing the tools, equipment and parts that they carry, there may be cases where they will be short of tools and equipment unless they have prior notification of specific needs. It will be a lot easier if they are involved in the process of change, pre-plan and maybe develop a special process to handle the unexpected tool or equipment requirement.
Of course the ultimate goal is to satisfy the customer. Keep in contact with them and get their feedback on their experience with any changes to their service. A successful program will evolve and improve over time. The workers should know that they will not be held responsible for the occasional problem caused by implementing the new program. They will likely have suggestions on how to solve issues if they are included in the process.
Steve Taylor
Business Improvement Specialist
steve@upstreamsource.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8031789