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Archive for August, 2009

Trucks Sales Still Slump While Vans Level Out

August 31st, 2009

More bad news has come for the motor industry, this time in the truck and van sector. June figures for truck registrations are still showing falling numbers, however, the amount of vans being registered is starting to level out.

The amount of trucks being registered has been falling month by month, however, the figures for June have shown the largest drop in registrations yet. With only 2,761 new trucks being registered in June, this is a 47% fall from June 2008.

On the other side of the sector, the amount of vans being registered has seen some improvment. In June there were 17,158 vans registered. This sales figure shows a 40.1% drop in van registrations on June last year, however, the month on month sales has actually seen the smallest drop yet. This shows that the amount of van sales is starting to level out.

One manufacturer that did well in June was Renault. They racked up a 78.5% increase in sales in June for their van and light trucks. The Renault Trafic van was one model that was very successful for Renault. The Trafic van, which recently won the 2009 Security award, is Renault’s best selling van.

The overall fall in van and truck sales is put down to a number of factors. One big reason is that many companies are waiting for van and truck prices to fall again in an attempt to get the best deals. Although the amount of companies buying vans is falling, the amount of van leasing companies buying vans is on the rise, this is because the companies that aren’t buying vans are choosing to lease vans instead.

Many companies are finding that getting out a Renault van lease is working out cheaper in the long run rather than buying a brand new van. So if you are looking for a Renault Trafic lease, you will often get a better deal because you are only paying monthly for the van, rather than paying a bulk sum for a new van.

So although many companies are not buying new vans and trucks, the amount being bought by leasing companies is rising to keep up with demand.

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How Can Water Improve Your Mileage

August 31st, 2009

Most anyone that drives a car is looking for any way to reduce gas expense and one method that has been proven effective to make people save money on gas is a water powered car which has been shown to effectively increase your MPG.

Sounds preposterous, but this is actually a car that runs on water as well as fuel and surprisingly enough, it can be any gas-fueled car. Any vehicle can be converted into a water powered car to save money on gas, improve your engine life, and even benefit the environment.

A water powered car uses a combination of water and gasoline to power the car.  While your car will still require a fill up at your local gas station, it won’t be nearly as often.

The method for utilizing water to increase your miles per gallon and cut back on gas is relatively uncomplicated. A water to gas device is installed on your vehicle that breaks water down into its original elements, hydrogen and oxygen. This combination of oxygen and hydrogen is known as HHO or Brown’s gas and increases combustion. The device then introduces this oxyhydrogen gas into the engine with the gas where they form a much more effective combination that can increase your mileage by more than 70%.

To get a water to gas system operating in your car, you can either buy an already assembled unit and have a professional install it or you can purchase a manual that will detail how you can assemble and install your own kit. While it may look quite complicated, it is really fairly easy-you don’t have to be a highly skilled mechanic.

Armed with some basic knowledge of cars, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to do it yourself and you could be on your way to saving all those dollars you’re now spending on gas. In addition, you cut the additional cost of a professional mechanic when you do it yourself. It shouldn’t cost you more than $100-$200 for parts and materials for your hydrogen generating unit subject, of course, to the quality you desire. In reality, this is far less than you would have to pay to have a professional install your system and you should be able to recoup your investment out of gas savings in a month or so.

Visit making HHO for the clearest manual that will take you by the hand and guide you through constructing your unit. It will provide you a list of supplies you need that surprisingly, can be easily found at your local hardware store. These systems need only a small amount of space about four to ten inches and can be installed on any car or truck. And by the way, be sure to mount it where you can access it without any difficulty.

The idea of powering your vehicle with water is more of a reality than many people think while the systems aren’t complicated or hard to install. Remember to stop by water fuel car to discover how water to gas works and save money on gas.

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Hydrogen Car Kits

August 31st, 2009

As the innovative hydrogen car kits are now entering the mainstream there is a horrendous amount of  fear, uncertainty, and doubt being flung around. Whether you are interested in purchasing such a gas for water system or not it’s really worth to know the facts:

1) You must first do no harm. This is a critical part. There are hydrogen car kits out there which when are employed can damage your car. Ideally a hydrogen car kit should not require messing up with your car’s engine or your car’s injection system.

2) Remember that hydrogen is dangerous. This is another critical part. Search for hydrogen car kits that store as little hydrogen gas as possible. Ideally the system should only generate hydrogen when needed.

3) Efficiency is the key. While most hydrogen car kits have improvements versus the early models, some are simply better than the others. Watch the efficiency figure. See how much such a system can increase the mileage on the average car.

4) Don’t buy into the hype. Look for figures. Salesmen are just that… salesmen. They can try to spin the facts, but they can’t hype the figures. Be on the lookout for technical specs and the minimum guaranteed results. These are the figures that matter, because these will most likely reflect the real quality of the product. If you somehow manage to obtain even better figures, then hey, you’ll have a pleasant surprise.

5) Look at the cost of the components and the cost of the hydrogen car kit guide. This is actually the last item you should pay attention to, but if you have 2 similar offers, it makes sense to go for the cheaper one.

It looks fairly complicated, but once you begin seeing the rationale behind this advice, you’ll see that it makes sense. One of the options, which I found and which passes all five tests from above is [affiliate link]
Fuel cell cars covert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and heat. The electricity can be used to power and electric motor and the only emissions are heat and water. Cars running on hydrogen are considered to be the ultimate clean cars. Since hydrogen vehicles only produce heat and water vapour as its by-product, its emissions are considered environmental friendly.

Hybrid cars use two different energy source or motors. An example of a hybrid car is the Toyota Prius. It uses advanced technology to combine a small gas engine with an electric motor. At slow speed, the car runs on electric motor while on the freeway, both the gasoline and electric motor is being used. The battery is also being recharged during the process.

Exploring alternative energy sources for cars is a way of adapting to the increasing fuel costs and taking active steps in resolving environmental concerns.

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Alternative Forms of Energy for Automobiles

August 31st, 2009

It can be about the money. People are looking for alternative energy sources or alternative electric car conversion kit for their cars nowadays. A few months ago, increasing prices of petroleum products were experienced almost throughout the world. With the increasing money spent on the pump, we are trying to look for alternative fuels for vehicles that can eventually lead us to bigger savings.

Cars or vehicles running on a electric car conversion kit are running on electricity instead of  gasoline or diesel. Over the years, we have become witnesses on car running on electricity, a hybrid of gasoline and electric car, or even solar powered. There are even cars using water to supplement their gas through the water-to-gas technology.

There are several factors contributing to the rise and initiative of governments and manufacturers to produce electric car conversion kits. Heavy taxes on fuel, particularly in Europe and tightening environmental laws are several of the contributing factors. There is a possibility of further restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions.

Since cars are mostly running on fossil fuels which produce carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas, the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is increasing. It leads to temperature rise which results to global warming and climate change.

There are cars that are capable in running on LPG, solar power, ethanol, fuel cells, hydrogen, and compressed cars. There are also what we call hybrid cars. Cars running on liquefied petroleum gas or LPG runs on a mix of propane and butane. Its hydrocarbon gases turn to liquid when compressed. Cars running on LPG can cut the fuel expense into half compared to petrol and diesel. It is also said to reduce the carbon monoxide emission.

Cars using solar power convert sunlight into electricity. It can be used to power electric motors or produce fuels such as hydrogen. Solar panels are put on the surface, more often on the roof, of the vehicle. These solar panels then convert the sun’s energy into electrical energy.

Ethanol is an alcohol produced by the fermentation of plant juice with high levels of sugar or from crops with high levels of carbohydrates such as wheat. Brazil began converting sugar cane into ethanol in 1975. Since then, Brazil has saved $1.8 billion by replacing their 200,000 barrels of oil daily consumption.

Brazil has already created 5.4 million ethanol- powered cars that are being exported to Sweden and Japan. Because of this industry they were able to provide 900,000 jobs to their people. Using ethanol as fuel were also able to reduce the toxic emissions by 30 % compared with other fuel charged vehicles.

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Save a Lot of Cash with Used Cars By Owner

August 31st, 2009

Just turn on any news station and you’ll see that times are tough. People everywhere are looking for ways to cut expenses, and one of the greatest expenses we have is our car. In most cases, a car or truck is an absolute necessity to get from place to place, and if you need a vehicle, thinking about getting a used one is a wonderful idea. New cars can lose up to 25% of their value as soon as you drive it away from the dealership, which makes them a poor investment. For most of us, getting a great deal our vehicle meant for daily transportation can actually save us thousands of dollars.

If you’re looking for a used vehicle, buying one directly from the owner is a great idea for several reasons.

By purchasing used cars by owner, you can speak directly with the person most experienced with the car in question. Honest sellers can highlight any caveats relating to the vehicle that you should look out for. This information is more likely to come to you straight from the owner as opposed to communicating with a salesman with limited actual experience with the car.

Another advantage is that often, owners will upgrade their own car with a selection of after-market parts, such as booming stereos, GPS units, or entertainment systems. These can make driving your used vehicle a lot more enjoyable, and these upgrades are often just not available when purchasing a new car off the lot.

Obviously, buying a car directly from the owner can save you a ton of dough. This is because you don’t have to bother adding commissions or fees to your purchase. Sellers don’t have employees or large overheads to deal with, which means that you can negotiate a better price. In some cases, the owners find themselves in a tight spot and are very motivated to unload their car. Now, this is a perfect buying opportunity if you are in the market for a used vehicle.

So where are the best places to discover used cars by owners? For the top recommendations, point your browser to http://usedcarsbyowner101.com. This blog is dedicated to helping people get fantastic deals on used cars, and contains some useful advice on how to buy used cars by owners.

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Save Thousands with Used Cars By Owner

August 31st, 2009

Just turn on any news station and you’ll see that the economy is in terrible shape. People across the country are looking for ways to lower expenses, and one of the greatest expenses we have is our car. For most of us, a vehicle is an absolute necessity to get around, and if you need a car or truck, buying used is a sound idea. New cars can lose up to 25% of their value the moment you drive it off the lot, which makes them a terrible investment. For most of us, landing a great deal our vehicle meant for daily transportation can literally save us thousands of dollars.

If you’re trying to buy a used vehicle, buying one directly from the owner is a smart idea for many reasons.

By buying used cars by owner, you can talk directly with the person most experienced with the vehicle in question. Most sellers can tell you about any caveats relating to the car that you should look out for. This information is more likely to come to you straight from the owner rather than talking with a salesman with no actual experience with the vehicle.

Another pro is that sometimes, owners will modify their own vehicles with various after-market parts, such as upgraded stereos, GPS units, or entertainment systems. These can make driving your used vehicle a lot more enjoyable, and these options are often just not available when buying a new car off the lot.

But of course, purchasing a vehicle directly from the owner can save you a bunch of cash. This is because you don’t have to bother adding commissions or fees to your purchase. Sellers don’t have staffing costs or monthly warehouse rental fees to deal with, which means that you can negotiate a better price. In some cases, the owners find themselves in a distressed position and are very motivated to unload their car. Needless to say, this is a great buying opportunity if you are in the market for a used vehicle.

So where can you browse used cars by owners? For the web’s most complete resource, go to http://usedcarsbyowner101.com. This blog is dedicated to helping folks get wonderful deals on used cars, and is filled with terrific tips on how to find used cars by owners.

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Great Autos at Police Auctions

August 31st, 2009

So it’s about that time. You need a new car for the family, but money is a little tight and not exactly growing on trees. off course don’t be humiliated about this. It’s definitely not strange to see people saving as much as possibly can on their purchases with the prevaling economic situation

We’ve all heard of the savings one can make at a police auto auction, but the question remains: Are they really as lucrative as many folks make them out to be.
This question is best answered by looking at the origin of cars sold at police auto auctions. The cars come from being confiscated from criminals or involvement in illegal activities. Simply put, the police does not wish to get the absolute highest possible prices for these cars like banking and other financial institutions wish to. This is a near perfect scenario for potential bidders, as you are transacting with a seller that doesn’t need to sell his product at an acceptable market value.

So you are sold on the idea of buying cars at police auctions. How should you proceed now going forward?

The easiest way to get the ball rolling is by calling youir local police department. The possibility is of course always there that the first person you contact won’t have a aclue how to direct or assist you. If lady luck is on your side, you may actually be pointed in the right direction straight away and transferred to the relevant finance department. Get the info from them, and attend the first upcoming auction – dead easy.

You can also get to know of these auctions through pamflets, locals newspapers, online newsletters, etc.

Now that you know the auction dates, really only about fifteen to 20% of your work is done. Your next move would be to get a catalogue from the auctioneering company which will list all the vehicles up for sale at the event. Using this catalogue you will be able to pinpoint the cars that you’ll be interested in.

After you obtained this list, focus your energy on doing your homework on these vehicles in the form of inspections, valuation calculations and in-depth research. This will help you identify the cars that are worthwhile bidding for and the ones that aren’t. Arguably the top tip and number one rule to keep in mind is not to let your emotions run away with you. Your bidding strategy should be guided by the hard prep work you’ve done beforehand. Following these rules will result in you saving thousands and paying less than what you originally hoped for!

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Save Cash By Conserving The Use Of Petrol

August 31st, 2009

In recent years drivers have been outraged at how much they have been forced to pay at the pumps to fill up. In 2008 it was definitely a bad year to be driving a car in the UK with the cost of unleaded petrol breaking not only the £1 mark but the £1.20 mark in some places. Diesel prices soared to record levels also.

What quickly became a common talking point among drivers was how they could use less fuel and save more money on their motoring costs. People quite often use cars to commute to work and so there is often no other option for getting to work than driving.

Shop Around

Just like you would with any other purchase, shop around at many different brands and locations. Supermarkets have been known to provide cheaper fuel as well as offers on petrol if you spend a certain amount in store. It has been suggested that the quality of the fuel is lower than average at supermarkets but this claim is pretty much unfounded as many refilling trucks visit big brands as well as supermarkets so there’s probably little difference between them.

Avoid going over 60mph

It’s well known that your car will burn through a lot more fuel once you reach high speeds. The estimated sweet spot is 60mph and unless you’re on the motorway you’re legally obligated not to go over 60mph anyway. Tying to keep below this speed is widely reported to save you some petrol or diesel compared to driving at much higher speeds.

Don’t make the engine work more than it needs to

Accelerating harshly, wheel spinning and braking suddenly can all be wasteful activities with regards to car fuel. Accelerating gradually from a stand still and braking early and smoothly will reduce the workload for the engine and stop burning through your fuel in such a short time. Using the handbrake when on a steep incline as opposed to giving the car enough throttle to hold it in place is another vital fuel saving tip.

Use your car less or at least take the shortest route

Obviously if you don’t drive as much then you won’t have to worry about using all your fuel. For some people taking public transport to work may be an option, also making sure that when you need to drive somewhere that you combine a number of errands into one trip, such as if you need to get a few bits of food from the shops make sure you also pick up any other items that you will need in the near future to save another trip.

Planning your route is important too, this could be finding a shortcut or choosing a route that is less travelled, even worse than taking a longer route is a route that will leave you stuck in traffic jams making you late but also wasting fuel.

These are just a few tips to help you start being more energy conscious, which means you’ll be not only saving money but also causing less environmental damage from driving. Experiment with different tips and you may be able to cut back on your motoring costs.

Related topics include car loans, welcome car loans and car finance UK

 

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Run Your Car With Water4Gas

August 31st, 2009

Millions of people want a way to save money on gasoline. Since the gas prices have been high for the last few years, people have been struggling to go places. Gasoline prices have been controlling the lives of millions of people, however, you will be able to change that with water4gas. If you use the water4gas manuals to construct an hho generator, you will be able to double or triple gas mileage.

 

Within the last decade, many people have decided to buy a hybrid car. They are tired of spending a fortune on gasoline to get to work everyday. However, a normal car cannot turn into a hybrid car, so you would have to buy a hybrid somewhere. In my view, anyone who buys a hybrid is wasting more money.

 

If you bought a hybrid vehicle, you would spend five grand more than it would have been with a regular car, and the value of a hybrid decreases faster. Most people buy hybrids because they want to stop global warming, not for fuel savings. A hybrid is not going to save you that much money in the long run. It is going to take you awhile just to break even since you have to spend extra money from the start.

 

Hybrid cars have been known to perform much worse than regular cars. Hybrid cars are known to be very slow and have bad pick-up. The hybrid battery has been criticized for being worse than a normal car, and it costs eight thousand dollars to replace. Now that you realize hybrids are not that great after all, you may be considering using water4gas as your substitute.

 

For $97, you can buy manuals that will teach you exactly what to do to build an hho generator. It will end up costing you around $200 to get your hho kit developed, but in a short time, you will pay that off with gas savings. An hho generator uses water to produce supplemental hydrogen. When supplemental hydrogen is used with gasoline, the gas mileage increases due to better fuel efficiency. If you want to save money on gas without buying a new car, then water4gas is an excellent opportunity.

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Car Fuel Pump Problems and Solutions

August 31st, 2009

When your automobile engine cranks but will not start and you think it might be gas delivery related check your dash mounted fuel gauge first. A dash mounted fuel gauge that reads higher than half a tank probably means there is fuel in the tank, but not always.

A defective sending unit or a gauge that is not calibrated right may be giving a false reading. Probing the tank with a flexible wire or dowel rod down the fuel filler tube will let you know if there is actually liquid gas in the tank.

If there is plenty of juice in the vehicle the next step would be to listen for the fuel pump operation noise. When the key is turned on the pump should buzz like a bumble bee for a couple of seconds to build system pressure.

The pump is usually energized through a relay and the oil pressure switch. Protecting the engine against damage is the reason for this. Car makers will not let the engine run without oil pressure for good reason. This is also a good safety feature. If the vehicle becomes involved in a major accident the engine stalls, the fuel pump stops running.

 

What can go wrong with your fuel pump

Todays advanced engine control modules will automatically energize the fuel pump relay when a signal is detected from the cam or crankshaft position sensors, or in some cases both. An oil pressure switch as mentioned above might still be included in the circuitry for safety purposes. Check your automobile manual online for the specific circuit layout on your vehicle.

Failure of the pump relay or computer driver signal can cause long cranking times because the fuel pump does not come on until the engine cranks long enough to build up sufficient engine oil pressure to close the contacts on the oil pressure switch. This allows the vehicle to start even with a bad relay.

If a buzzing sound is not heard when the key is on or while the engine is being cranked check for the presence of voltage at the pumps Electrical connector. The fuel pump might actually be good, but if it does not receive voltage and have a good ground it will not run. If the electrical side of the circuit checks out good, but the pump still does not run then the pump is probably faulty.

If the fuel pump does not run and there is no electrical voltage at the terminal connectors on the vehicle side then there are a few different components that can cause this problem. Consulting an automotive wiring diagram is the fastest way to diagnose the electrical side, but check your fuse first.

 

Dealing with blown pump fuses

The fuse can be checked to see if it is blown. Replacing the fuse might restore power to the fuel pump, but until you have found out what caused the fuse to blow. The problem will most likely happen again.

A blown fuel pump fuse can be caused by shorted internal windings in the pump itself. Shorted wires that lead to the fuel tank might also cause this. Even though the wiring is well protected inside conduit I have still seen damage from where it may rub against the frame or brackets near the harness.

The use of original equipment parts is highly recommended if you have found that replacement of the pump motor is needed. When you are replacing the electric pump, you have to be sure that the new or rebuilt replacement unit meets the minimum requirements of pressure and volume for that specific vehicle.

In my own personal experience at replacing fuel pumps I have found that the cheaper aftermarket units do not last as long. And often infant mortality were the parts fails right away. Pulling the fuel tank and installing the replacement parts is a task I would only like to perform one time. My own experience with using original equipment replacement parts is that they provide longer lasting auto repairs and satisfied drivers.

 

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