13 tips for a healthy driving machine

Regular car maintenance and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of your car ownership. Hence, you should always consider having all your auto systems maintained. Among the basic considerations that you should think of are the maximum fuel efficiency and safe driving. To ensure these, you should keep your engine in tune while keeping the brakes, steering and suspension systems in A-1 condition.

Car maintenance does not need to be costly, as it may not require even a single cent at all. Moreover, they can save time, money and inconvenience. It is important that you always refer to your manual when performing any maintenance task on your vehicle. You can even bring your car for periodic inspection by a qualified technician. If you want to do the maintenance yourself, I have some researched basic tips to share (which include some of the things that I have done with my roadster and crossover).

First, you need to check the antifreeze/coolant level weekly. If your car has transparent reservoirs with level markings, you should fill to level marking with 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water. Remember not remove the pressure cap when engine is hot.

Second, inspect belts and hoses monthly and have the worn, glazed or frayed belts replaced at the soonest possible time. If your car has a spring loaded belt tensioners, then no adjustment is required. If there are bulging, rotten, or brittle hoses and tighten clamps, make sure to have them replaced at once otherwise, leaks will be induced on them. See if the hoses look bad, or feel too soft or too hard. If they are, have them replaced at once.

Third, check the transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running, and parking brake on. Shift to drive, then remove dipstick, wipe dry, insert it and remove it again. You should add the appropriate type fluid whenever necessary. Remember not to overfill.
Fourth, check oil every other fill up. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and insert it fully then remove again. If it is low, you need to add oil. Maintaining the peak performance of your vehicle requires oil change every 3,000 miles or 3 months. You also need to have the oil filter changed with every oil change.

Fifth, check the air filter monthly and have it replaced when it is dirty. You can also do it during tune-up. This is easy to reach, right under the big metal "lid" in a carbureted engine or in a rectangular box at the forward end of the air duct hose assembly.

Sixth, check brake fluid monthly. In doing so, you have to wipe the dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid. Then, you need to pry off the retainer clip and remove the lid or unscrew plastic lid, depending on your vehicle type. If you need fluid, you must add the approved type. Don’t forget to check possible leaks throughout the system. Fill to mark on reservoir.
Seventh, have the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled all the time. When topping off, you can use some windshield washer fluid on a rag to clean off the wiper blades. During winter, consider the freezing point of the washer fluid.

Eight, beware of the proper handling of a battery for it can produce explosive gases. Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match near your battery and make sure that you are wearing protective glasses and gloves. Have it checked with every oil change. Cables should be securely attached, while being free from corrosion. If battery contains filler holes, you should add only clear, odorless drinking water.

Ninth, inspect the power steering fluid level monthly by simply removing the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, you must add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks.
Tenth, inspect the windshield wiper blades whenever you clean your windshield. The rubber should not be worn or brittle. Have the wiper blades replaced at least once per year, or when smearing or chattering occurs.

Eleventh, inspect the condition of your all your lights. Make sure that they are clean and working.

Twelfth, the tires should be inflated with the necessary pressure. Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wire. If you discover uneven wear, make sure that you’ll do something about it. Keep a record of tire rotation, which can be initially 5,000 miles and every 7,500 miles thereafter.

Thirteenth, make sure that there are no oil seepage on shock absorbers. Check shock action by bouncing the car up and down. The bouncing should stop when you step back. Once you realize the occurrence of leaking shocks, carry out an immediate replacement.

3-wheeler cars

3-wheeler concept for TREX

Ever heard of the 3-wheeler car concept? This car is designed by Johnathan Cote, who just tried to offer his re-design proposal for the legendary T-REX. With the uniqueness of this concept design, many consumers are surely looking forward to its production and release.

With the first prototype released in 1994, T-REX pioneered in the rapidly expanding world of modern 3-wheeled transport that has now spawned some exotic cars like the Brudeli’s Three-Wheel Leanster, Can-Am Spyder, TriRod’s F3 Adrenaline and the upcoming ZAP Alias highway electric car. While connecting with the T-Rex’s DNA, the remodeling of Cote’s design offers refreshing new lines and added new assets. Its beauty imparts elegance and refinement worthy of the best sports cars.

Cote’s new design features several storage areas into the vehicle. The spacious cargo area harmonizes with the vehicle’s outline, adding up a small storage space and two smaller glove compartments in the front. The two windshield versions are also catered for: raised or F1 style.

3-wheeler from SIDAM

After conquering the hearts of the consumers and as the three-wheelers demand rises, More and more 3-wheelr designs are brought out to the public. We can recall that the 3-wheeler design was started by Gilero Fuoco, Piaggio MP3, and Vectrix. Today, a French scooter importer Sidam tries to enter the market by building another type of three-wheel scooter. Nonetheless, instead of putting two wheels at the front, they decided to put the two wheels at the rear of the vehicle. Can you imagine it now?

The concept can remind me of Thai Tuk Tuk, though Xnovo concept is somehow a crossover between a minivan and Thai Tuk Tuk.The design sketches seems to picture both rear wheels will be belt driven in the 500cc Piaggio-engined petrol version. Hybrid and fully electric versions are also on the cards, the latter feature twin electric motors, wherein one is in each wheel hub. The luggage angle comes to be a big part of the concept.

Later on, we will learn more as the Xnovo moves towards a launch date rumored to be this year.

imgs from these sites:

http://www.clevislauzon.qc.ca/Professeurs/Mecanique/ethierp/3-wheels/images/cl3_30a.jpg

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=piaggio

Modifying HHO gas car

HHO gas based car system's has become a major breakthrough in terms of an environmentally friendly car modification. This is because of the features that allow users to increase gas mileage while trimming down the gasoline costs and drastically reducing car emissions. The system relies on HHO gas to assist combustion, leading to the revolution of fuel consumption and economy. Indeed, this breakthrough supports our claim of living in a world where industrial explosion takes over.

Nonetheless, in exchange of the comfort and convenience of highly advanced automotive industry, gasoline prices keep on soaring higher. And this is apparently a major issue for consumers worldwide. The majority of US, Canadian, British and Australian citizens are always at the top list of affected consumers since they are highly dependent on gasoline.

A lot of experts continuously discover ways on how save on gas. The HHO based technology is among the effective ones that is claimed to save the average US driver in excess of $1000 dollars a year in gasoline prices.An HHO gas based car modification can increase mileage between 30% - 50%. The efficiency of the engine will be dramatically increased, resulting to an increase in your mileage. Moreover, the engine will run smoother and quieter, while the performance and power draw closer to the maximum level. Not only these, the modification can also ensure longer engine life, which is very much favorable for cost cutting in terms of repair and replacement.

How does an HHO based gas system work anyway? The technology does not interfere or damage an engine or computer system. If you want to have this system, you have to place a quart size container filled with distilled water and small amount of baking soda under the hood of your car. The system needs electricity (12 Volts) from the engine, create a vacuum and then produce HHO Gas. This gas is pushed into the engines manifold or carburetor.

If you want to try the HHO gas car modification, then forget the water car system, which is not actually the ultimate solution to the rising gasoline prices. You can buy a hybrid car if you have the money, but it will be more practical to modify your car, knowing that a lot of ways can be used to improve its features, counting HHO gas car modification. Save money today, increase your car's mileage, and help protect the environment with the one basic system.

water in your fuel tank?

Cheapest car

Tata Nano

Heard about the cute Tata Nano? The first time I saw this driving machine, I instantly thought about an animated film entitled cars. Tata Nano seems to speak with its smiling front fascia. Indeed, this car invites you to go and get behind its wheels. This is not impossible since you probably are capable of spending $2500 for a brand new Tata Nano. Apparently, this is one of the world's cheapest car.

Nano is an Indian-built car that is also one of the world's smallest. It measures 118.5 in. long, 59.1 in. tall and 63.0 in. wide. You can mistakenly see it as an R&T's own Cyclops. It has four seats, but there is no door for access to the trunk space.

Powered by a 623-cc 2-cylinder engine at the rear, Nano performs well with its cool rear wheel drive feature. Nonetheless, we are not sure about the 33 horsepower that falls into the definition of "power." The Nano is clearly designed as a city car, which has a top speed of 60 mph. It also gets 47 mpg.

Expect Nano will by October this year, with a production target of 350,000 cars per year. This car will be available only with its 3-cylinder gasoline engine, but a diesel version will follow later.
Want to own this Nano? It’s quite a good idea that though you cannot have the most expensive car in the world, you can grab the chance to have the cheapest one.

Pagani Zonda S Roadster

More or less, around 750,000,000 vehicles are being used in the world today. And fewer than 100 are Paganis. Millions of drivers would ask, "What the heck is a Pagani?"
Enthusiasts who are into exotic cars know it's called the Pagani Zonda, and over the past decade, these carbon-fiber wonder cars were manufactured in a small Italian town of San Cesario sul Panaro about 10 miles east of Modena. This makes the Pagani a close neighbor of Ferrari, Maserati and my very own Lamborghini. I always love roadsters that’s why I always treasure the Lamborghini that my dad has bought for me. Going back to Pagani, where does this name really come from?

Horacio Pagani (obviously where the name originated) moved to Italy from his native Argentina. He became an early expert in the art of automotive carbon-fiber, letting him decide on building his own exotic car. He has successfully made it indeed. His car is now in several forms, one is called the F, as in Juan Manuel Fangio, Pagani's home country hero. There is another one that is labeled the S. The basic design has been changed only in detail over the years, though it is now sold as GT or spider. This however has not kept Pagani from continuing success.

Central to the Pagani is a carbon-fiber tub that is covered with body panels of the same material. The shock absorbing is durable with the front and rear that are equipped with lightweight metal subframes, for the A-arm suspensions and the drivetrain. Mercedes-Benz' AMG provides the powerplant, a 7.3-liter V-12 with 555 bhp, 553 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm and a pleasantly ferocious howl that chases you around when you're at full throttle. The gearbox is a 6-speed manual and the Brembo brake discs come as steel or carbon ceramic.

Weighing in around 2700 lb. and riding on squat Michelins, Zonda S is reportedly able to squirt to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and able to keep going until it's nigh on to 215 mph. Zonda's remarkable shape may seem to age quickly, but it still looks good a decade down the line.
The interior detailing is downright fun where you can find a mix of vintage toggle switches and an instrument panel that could have been found in the 1930s, a Nardi steering wheel and fine leather. The background has the carbon-fiber bones of the Pagani's chassis.

Owning a Pagani would be fun but not if you have no half-million dollars yet. This amount is not big enough once you have the steering wheel on your hand. The cost is not high at all as you step on the gas pedal. I bet, this roadster is better than my Lamborghini, nevertheless, I still love my first roadster. But wait, I can sacrifice and give it to my dad in exhange of a Pagani Zonda S roadster.

img from : http://www.innovationcars.com/images/cars/pagani_zonda_roadster.jpg

HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept – from the inside out

HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept was inspired by the tough, hard-shell backpack that is seen in the animal world. The architecture consists of three ultra-lightweight structural ribs that create the vehicle’s safety cage. The front-end styling adopts organic structural forms, giving hints at the appeal of future Hyundai trucks. Some significant attributes also include the assertive face and piercing headlights angled towards the grille. The prominent hood scoop intends to enhance the Hellion’s rally car demeanor as the clamshell hood utilizes exposed latches for easy access to the engine bay.

A canvas soft-top roof, two-piece Teflon-coated 20in wheels and dual chrome exhaust tips are also featured.The Hellion has a 3.0L V6 Common-rail Diesel engine (CRDi) with 236hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. Its drive is sent through a six-speed auto mated to a 4WD system. The Hyundai Design and Technical Center and Hyundai Motor America presented the world debut of the HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. Hellion is a compact three-door sport crossover designed with attitude and independence creating its unmistakable character.

HCD10 Hyundai Hellion was particularly designed to attract a diverse individualist customer, according to Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center. He said that mindset and attitude are becoming the modern way to define new market segments, and the Hellion concept will do that. Hellion brings a new attitude to the Hyundai family and its the sibling who’s a bit mischievous and always outspoken.

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DESIGNS

The proportions of the HCD10 Hyundai Hellion basically flaunt a tough look, as described by Marc Mainville, senior designer at the Hyundai Design Center. He said that short overhangs are designed to allow for excellent attack angles for off-roading and the skid plates, and then the muscular wheel flares and tow hooks convey Hellion’s strength.

The Hellion’s front design explores how new organic structural forms could look on future Hyundai trucks. Its stance is wide and its face is assertive, with piercing headlights angled towards its dominant grille. The hood scoop enhances Hellion’s rally car demeanor and the clamshell hood utilizes exposed latches for easy access to the engine bay. The windshield’s fast rake gives a sporty character to an otherwise stout profile.

The bumpers are distinguished from the organic body shape with a darker, durable wrinkle-finish paint supported by functional aluminum skid plates that wrap underneath the vehicle.The rear of the Hellion has a bold design theme wherein the taillights emphasize the tapering of the greenhouse and the wide sculpture of the wheel flares as cantilevered off the rear quarter glass. Dual chrome exhaust tips are fitted between the bumper and skid plate to complete the integrated appearance.

The soft-top roof adds to the independent spirit of the Hyundai Hellion. It’s fabric has a subtle abstracted camouflage pattern which can be customized. The 20-inch aluminum wheels are constructed in two pieces and are Teflon®-coated to resist build-up of the elements.The interior is like a true living room. The two-box design and three-door package gives the driver and passengers a tidy, functional environment. Hellion has a consistent design theme unifying the interior and exterior resulting in a very cohesive concept car as claimed by Martin Frost, senior designer at the Hyundai Design Center.

The HCD10 Hyundai Hellion’s compact exterior appearance belies its abundant interior space with the inventive cargo and storage spaces. The seat-mounted gear packs transform into fully functional backpacks via push-button releases. Moreover, there are convenient hideaway drawers push out from the front of each seat. The storage is also found along the center console and there are two lids with translucent strips for easy access to belongings. Aside from these, more innovative and useful amenities are feaured in Hellion. These include the bucket seats, hands-free hydration system, instrument panel and more advanced devices.

img from these sites:

http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2006/11/hyundai_hellion_concept.jpg

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/images/hyundai-hellion-concept-2.jpg

Green driving machine

If you are an environmentalist, you surely prefer to use “greener driving machines”. Before you buy a new car, you probably are assessing the specs affecting its production of minimal CO2 and other emissions.

You may have heard about the fact that by the end of the decade, new cars need to produce an average of at most 130g/km of CO2. However, most cars today emit rather more than this. How will this average be assessed? The 130g/km average is well-meaning rhetoric, but no one in the EU carbonocracy can set out the definition for now. Meanwhile, with the target date fast approaching, the carmakers are left behind.

Some manufacturers, nevertheless, are going ahead anyway and creating some very low-CO2-producing cars. (I may not say "low-CO2 emitting", because emissions suggest pollution and CO2, unlike nitrogen oxides, particulates and unburnt hydrocarbons, are not pollutants.)
Among the most ideal vehicles that deserve recognition when it comes to environmenta friendliness is the BMW 118d. This vehicle model is currently having an "EfficientDynamics"– package the better to eke out every litre of diesel oil.

What is EfficientDynamics all about? (it’s not typo, there is really no space in between.) All new 1-series cars, unlike the 116i and 130i (the two extremes of the petrol-fuelled range), have a stop-start system, which you might remember from aeons ago with the Fiat Regata ES and later the VW Golf Ecomatic. The concept is the same with the car stopped and the gearbox in neutral, then the engine stops until you depress the clutch upon which it restarts automatically. Nevertheless, this modern, high-tech BMW works rather more discreetly, smoothly, and reliably.

Aside from the EfficientDynamics, there is also the Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) that is perfect for an environmentalist. Whenever the engine is turning but not under load, (meaning when decelerating or braking) the alternator engages to charge up the high-capacity battery. Otherwise the alternator is disengaged unless the battery is getting too low. Some cars have the engine that requires the alternator to be turned on all the time, even when the battery is charged. Considering the fact that turning an alternator uses energy, the IAC system can reduce fuel consumption by up to three per cent.

Yet cleverer than that, an alternator that's charging hard is a big drag on the engine. So when the alternator is engaged as you slow down or stop, while some hard charging to do in order to recover the energy taken from the battery when driving under power, then that "drag" helps with the braking. Meaning you don't have to brake so hard, so less energy is wasted. This is called regenerative braking, as used by hybrids. Whenever you are slowing down at least, the 1-series behaves a bit like a hybrid.

So, feeling smugly green, 118d is indeed a good choice of ride. Immediately it feels unique among today's compact hatchbacks for blending that compactness with the very BMW sensation of rear-wheel drive. The demeanor feels pure with the new electric power steering that is good enough not to have the stodgy, artificial feel that is too often found in such systems. The electric power steering feels more natural when the motor is in the rack rather than in the column, and that of the 1-series is so designed.

The numerical credentials of this BMW 118d engine would have been so impossible and unreal. Forget about the 118d designation: like the more powerful 120d engine, this is a 2.0-litre unit but here producing 143bhp (21bhp up from the previous 118d) instead of 177. This is backed up by 221lb ft of torque for having effortless pulling ability typical of the best modern diesels, propelling the 118d from a standstill to that arbitrary 62mph figure in 8.9 seconds.

With all the flawless specs of 118d, you can also point out the officially-measured average CO2 output of just 123g/km, the lowest of any BMW-badged car. Imagine that all cars deliver all this dynamism and slip comfortably under the CO2 quota, then what a green environment we have in the future.

BMW received 2008 World Green Car Award for the 118d model