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Archive for September, 2010

Facts About Hybrid Cars

0 September 24th, 2010

There are a number of myths and misrepresentations about hybrid cars but there are also a number of clear facts. Certain hybrid cars produce a significant amount less pollutants than conventional cars although the amount depends on the model. The United States Government offers a number of incentives so that citizens will turn to hybrid cars and these include a valuable tax rebate. The cost of hybrid cars can be high initially but the truth about it is that it is an investment as the parts have warranties that provide free replacements. They keep their value as they are so much in demand. They tend to last longer than conventional gasoline cars and do not require more maintenance than other cars. The facts about hybrid cars technology is that they are always improving and becoming more efficient offering faster and more economic versions as time goes by. Hybrid cars are environmentally and economically friendly and provide an advanced form of travel.

There is a lot of information that car owners need to know about hybrid cars in order to make the right choice. Some people are confused about how hybrid cars work but they need to know a few basic details. Hybrid cars use small gasoline engines and electric motors that need to be recharged in order to function properly. The battery that supplies the power is generated by the energy used when the car is braking but it is not necessary to use the brakes more than normal. The average amount of brake use should provide more than enough power to the electric motor.

Hybrid cars use less gas because of the smaller engine and the use of the electric motor for assistance and save on further gas emissions and fuel use by automatically switching off the engine when the car is stopped in traffic only to switch on again when the car is put in gear and accelerated. They are quietly run cars and economically friendly and most manufacturers even produce these cars or else plan to. They have a good resale value and sell for about the same amount as they are bought for as their value does not depreciate as much as conventional vehicles. Advances in technology include powering up the battery by using a plug in method and these technologies are constantly being improved.

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Don’t Go Without A Car Warranty

0 September 17th, 2010

When you are purchasing a car, whether it is used or new, there are many things to keep in mind. You have so many details to remember as you are becoming a car owner and taking on that new responsibility. Don’t forget, however, to talk about getting a car warranty in the midst of your busyness.

Getting a car warranty is an absolute must when you are purchasing a car of any value to you. Basically, a car warranty means that you are covered if things go wrong with your vehicle. Be careful, however, because not all warranties are the same. They will cover different damages and they will last a different number of years or number of miles that you drive your car, so you must proceed with caution when you are choosing a car warranty.

Talk with the car salesman about all of your options for choosing the car warranty that is best for you. Be sure to check the details of exactly how long the car warranty will be effective and the specific damages that it will and will not cover for your vehicle. The worst thing you can do is to get stuck with a warranty that is not good for you or the needs of your vehicle.

You should also take the time to talk with family members or friends who recently have purchased vehicles. Talking with other car owners about the car warranty that they have chosen is a great way to get perspective from someone other than a car salesman. You need to take your time and become as informed as possible. After all, you are talking about protecting your car. Cars are expensive and replacing them is not easy, so use caution and come up with a plan that is great for you.

A car warranty is meant to offer you protection so that you know your car is taken care of know matter what happens to it once you start driving it. Regardless of how clean your driving record is, you can never be sure that you will be accident free in the years to come. There are just too many factors at stake to risk not having a car warranty, so make sure that you get one no matter what advice you receive.

Having a car warranty will give you the freedom to drive your new car with ease and to be confident that you have great insurance on it no matter what happens on the road or in a
parking lot.

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Chinese Cars: Redefining the Market

0 September 10th, 2010

News reports over the past several months have featured the coming invasion of Chinese cars to the North American market. What has gotten the attention of many car buffs is the very low prices at which each model will be sold. Prices as low as 6600 have been quoted for one model with a handful of other models also expected to retail for well under 10,000. If Chinese cars do arrive as expected, look for a massive change in the way entry level model cars are built and sold in the U.S. and Canada. Consumers stand to gain with the increased competition, although exactly what they will be getting for the price is not yet known.

The Chevrolet Aveo, a compact car built by GMs Korean unit, Daewoo, is currently the lowest priced car sold in the U.S. retailing for as low as 9300 after all discounts have been applied [MSRP is currently set at 9890 for the Special Value models]. A 16 valve 1.6L I4 mated to a 5 speed transmission is standard and Chevy kicks in an AMFM radio for good measure. Beyond that, the car is truly stripped.

On the other hand, two Chinese automakers are preparing to enter the U.S. market, likely as soon as summer 2007. Selling 2008 model year cars, both the Geely Automobile Company and the Chery Automobile Company are working with U.S. representatives to build nationwide dealer networks. Chery, which will have to change its name after losing to General Motors in a court decision over their name [too close to Chevy], has a model currently called the QQ based on the Daewoo Spark which they would like to bring to the U.S. Along with as many as four other models, the cars will range in price from just under 7,000 to as high as 20,000. Geely has similarly priced cars that they plan on marketing too.

So, what does this mean to the market? Plenty. Besides the Aveo, numerous other small cars are marketed in the U.S. including Toyotas Scion brand, the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Saturn ION, and offerings from Kia and Hyundai. Some of these vehicles come better equipped than the base Aveo, but for the most part comparably equipped entry level models with air conditioning are each retailing for about 12,000.

Even after air conditioning and certain safety measures [like air bags and better fenders] are added to entry level Chinese vehicles, it is expected that comparably equipped Geely and Chery models will still retail for between 8-8500. This translates into a price drop of as much as 30% compared to competing models.

Naturally, the quality of Chinese cars may be a big concern. Not noted for building much of anything that is of superb quality China, much like Japan of more than 40 years ago, must bring quality levels up. Still, for even 1000 more per vehicle an extended warranty similar to the 100,000 mile warranty offered by Hyundai and Kia could allay consumers concerns. Simply add the cost of the warranty to the price and a 9000 fully warranted Geely could be very attractive.

So, how will competing manufacturers react? By dropping their prices accordingly. Look for specially equipped Scions, Kias, and Hyundais to appear in U.S. showrooms priced below 10,000. Soon, look for Mexican built Scion fighters from Ford and Dodge also to show up and be sold at unthinkably low prices. By 2010, the base price for many entry level models in the U.S. will be below 10,000; if they are not priced accordingly then they many not sell.

Long term, prices across the board for all vehicles may begin to drop, especially as Chinese manufacturers start to market vehicles that are larger and better equipped than base models. Mentioned earlier was a vehicle in the 20,000 range. This particular Chery model strongly resembles the Chrysler Pacifica and could be imported to compete against it and other crossover vehicles.

Naturally, the effect on the U.S. manufacturing industry could be devastating and not just to GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai all build cars here. Will they compete in price or will consumers see the sharp differences in quality and stick with the trusted brands?

A revolution is coming to the auto industry — one which is certain to completely redefine the market.

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Cars And Cell Phones

0 September 3rd, 2010

Increased reliance on cell phones has led to a rise in the number of people who use the devices while driving.

There are two dangers associated with driving and cell-phone use, including text messaging.

First, drivers must take their eyes off the road while dialing.

Second, people can become so absorbed in their conversations that their ability to concentrate on the act of driving is severely impaired, jeopardizing the safety of other motorists and pedestrians.

This topic has gotten a lot of attention. Some want it to be banned all together, while others want to impose tougher laws about drivers who use them.

With all of the factors that are required to drive safely, its imperative to keep all safety factors in mind.

Suggestions for cell phones and driving;

1. Keep in mind there are many distractions on the road. If you are driving alone and can do so safely pull over to make or answer a call.

2. If someone is with you, have them talk on your behalf.

3. There are devices now to allow for a hands free call, allowing for you to keep your hands on the wheel.

That doesnt take from the distraction of the conversation itself but, its a way of being able to take or make the call thats less imposing on your driving attention.

Most important thing to remember when driving is that your ability to concentrate and take care on the road is your first responsibility. Any call that important is worth pulling over for.

Some regions and states have made driving while using the cell phone against the law. This decision is still under investigation and consideration in other areas.

Its important to know before driving through one of those regions what their laws are on cell phone use in cars.

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