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The Race To Turn Your Car’s Engine Green

The revolution is underway. Auto manufacturers are racing to develop new technologies that are both environmentally friendly and fuel efficient. The pursuit of “green” automotive technology was once considered a novelty. However, it is quickly becoming the standard by which future fleets will be judged.

Carmakers are taking a few different routes in order to meet the challenge. Some are exploring how to use their existing platforms to integrate green features into their gas-powered engines. Others are expanding their diesel capacity. Still others are focusing on the next evolutionary stage of hybrids. Below, we’ll briefly discuss each of the three paths toward a greener engine.

Gas-Powered Engines Are Still A Contender

Judging by the headlines in the popular media, you might think that gasoline engines are about to become all but extinct. Not quite. In fact, they will likely by produced by carmakers for many years to come. That’s not to suggest that auto manufacturers are resting on their laurels hoping green technology fails to gain traction. Instead, they’re pushing forward with new technology, such as turbocharged direct fuel injection systems. A fuel injector is installed within the combustion chamber of each cylinder. The result? Higher performance, better fuel efficiency, and fewer emissions.

Diesel Engines: An Older Technology Revisited

Diesel engines have traditionally been overshadowed by their gas-powered brethren. Long ago, they produced an odor that many found unpleasant and generated noise while driving. Those issues have since been resolved. The advantage of diesel is that the fuel burns more efficiently. Cars with diesel engines enjoy better gas mileage and cleaner emissions.

Until today, the selection of diesel vehicles was severely limited. Few automakers produced them. That’s changing. Over the next few years, you’ll see new models introduced by Ford, Toyota, and BMW. Plus, as the technology expands and sales grow, more carmakers are likely to join the group.

The March Of The Hybrids

Vehicles equipped with hybrid gas-powered engines and battery-powered motors are no longer new. Most major carmakers have shifted their platforms in order to make hybrids a larger portion of their inventories. That momentum isn’t likely to change anytime soon. In fact, auto manufacturers are exploring ways to expand hybrid technology even further.

The original design relied heavily upon the gasoline-powered engine while the battery motor picked up the slack. During the next few years, we’ll see models coming off the factory floor that employ diesel engines, hydrogen-based fuel cells, and other technologies.

The race to turn your vehicle’s engine into an environmentally friendly system is gaining speed. Green technology no longer means sacrificing design, comfort, or engine performance. With better fuel economy, lower emissions, and declining prices, it’s likely the trend will reach the tipping point in the near future.

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The Basics Of Keeping Your Car Well-Maintained

One day, our vehicles may be self-sustaining, able to take care of themselves rather than our having to do it for them. Until then, we’ll need to have the oil changed, tires rotated, and filters swapped out periodically. The fact is, if you want your car to run smoothly over the long haul, you’ll need to have routine maintenance performed.

Fortunately, your owner’s manual will spell out every maintenance item your automobile needs. It will even provide details regarding when you should have certain types of work performed. In this article, we’ll explore a few common questions that drivers have about maintaining their vehicles.

The Owner’s Manual Versus Your Mechanic

Why is it that your mechanic or auto technician recommends servicing that your owner’s manual does not? The reason is simple: revenue. At an independent repair garage, mechanics often try to persuade customers to agree to work that may be unnecessary. While they probably won’t suggest a new engine (unless you need one), they may recommend a brake job before your pads are fully worn. Or, they might suggest a transmission flush even though your car doesn’t need one.

At a dealership, the service advisor will usually recommend a number of maintenance items that you don’t need. It’s important to realize that he gets compensated partly through commissions. The more he sells, the more money he makes. He might ask the mileage on your odometer, but that’s usually because he has a list of services to recommend at each mile marker.

Your safest bet is to rely on your owner’s manual. Not only does the car manufacturer know how to keep your vehicle running well, but it’s in their best interest to make the most appropriate recommendations.

Doesn’t A Warranty Cover Maintenance?

Auto warranties are a natural part of car ownership, yet many motorists don’t know how far the coverage extends. Major parts, like the engine, transmission, and axles are covered. However, routine maintenance items like oil and air filters, oil changes, and rotating the tires are not. A lot of drivers visit the dealership thinking standard services are covered under the warranty. Then, when they arrive on the lot, the service advisor begins recommending unnecessary work. Read your warranty and learn what it covers.

Package Deals At The Dealership

The service department at your dealership will often create maintenance packages that bundle multiple services together for a single price. For example, they might offer an oil change, brake job, and filter changes for $100. Is it a bargain? First, determine which services you actually need. It may be time to change the oil, but do your brakes require changing? It does little good to save money on work that is unnecessary. Second, itemize the individual prices for each job being performed. Assuming your vehicle needs everything listed in the package, it is the only way to know whether the price is a good one.

Keeping your car well-maintained doesn’t have to be expensive. The key is to follow your owner’s manual and don’t be easily swayed by your mechanic’s recommendations. That way, you can be sure that your car will remain in good condition without breaking the bank.

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3 Maddening Driving Habits That Drive Motorists Nuts

Most of us take for granted the menu of skills needed to safely drive a car. After several years of successfully navigating the roads – and perhaps barely avoiding other motorists – we gain a high level of comfort in our ability. But, is that comfort warranted? Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) show that a majority of traffic accidents are caused by inattention.

The fact is, drivers exhibit many habits when operating their vehicles which endanger those around them. Whether reading the newspaper, putting on makeup, or reaching for that scalding cup of coffee while talking on the phone, here are three habits that can drive other motorists nuts.

#1 – Frequent Braking

For some reason, many drivers ride their brake pedal, even when traffic is flowing smoothly. It’s dangerous and startling to other people on the road. First, they’re not expecting to stop when other cars are moving along at a cruising speed. Second, when the brakes are applied, the red lights in the rear of the vehicle alert others that they too, must stop. That creates a chain reaction down the line and increases the likelihood of an accident.

#2 – Slow Merging

You need speed to merge safely on the highway. Remember, other vehicles are moving at 65 mph or faster. The sudden appearance of a slow merger galloping along at 40 mph not only causes them to hit the brakes (or the gas pedal), it guarantees you’ll have made one more enemy for the day. It’s worth noting that the responsibility lies with the merging vehicle, not with the folks already on the highway. If you’re going too slow, speed up.

#3 – Being Nice

Yes, being nice while you’re driving can be maddening to other motorists. Traffic laws were created in part to help ensure that traffic moves smoothly. When you’re sitting at the head of a 4-way intersection and every driver has a stop, don’t “be nice” to others and allow everyone to go first. That creates confusion (not to mention frustration). Plus, if there are multiple cars waiting the cross, the established orderly process is decimated, which increases the chances of a collision. When it’s your turn to go, go.

No matter how advanced our vehicles are designed, humans will err when placed behind the wheel. The best driver safety technologies, such as lane change avoidance systems, rear view cameras, and smart cruise controls, cannot protect motorists from other drivers’ bad driving habits. That responsibility lies with each of us.

If you regularly commit any of the three driving sins described above, consider breaking the habit. Not only will you avoid frustrating other drivers, but you’ll also help make the roads safer for everyone.

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