The automotive industry has been in the forefront of technological development in industry since the first production cars were rolled out of the assembly lines. Today, they are still the leading users of high-tech innovations which are incorporated into new car designs that improves safety and comfort for drivers and passengers alike. One aspect of driving that has benefited greatly from such innovations are the safety systems that come with new car models which we will be discussing below. To begin with, remember those night vision goggles and FLIR images you get to se on television which are mostly used by law enforcement and military people. Well this is sure to illuminate your world for Mercedes-Benz has a car on the streets with such vision assist capabilities. Incorporated within the CL55o’s headlights are infrared light-projectors that beams infrared light as far as 500 feet in front of the vehicle which is then picked-up by infrared cameras mounted on the rear view mirror. A crisp image is then displayed onto a high-resolution display in the car’s dash allowing the driver the best possible image to see obstacles and other obstructions that even their HID headlights fail to illuminate.
Next we have Volvo’s adaptive cruise control which adjusts the set speed automatically if the forward looking radar detects a vehicle in front of the vehicle. This greatly improves car safety for less braking power is needed at slower speeds. The same vehicle also incorporates a blind spot detector that detects any vehicles besides it turning a red light on the door pillar signaling that it isn’t safe to change lanes. This eliminates the need to turn your head and see the blind spot to check for other vehicles. The Audi Q7, also has the same feature with the warning light mounted onto the side mirror itself which blinks if there is another vehicle in the blind spot as you turn on your signal lights.
Well, when talking in terms of the vehicles our favorite stars will be driving that is for GM, which is the only automotive sponsor provided them with more than 75 of these green automobiles. They come in the form of fully fuel-cell powered or Flex-Fuel E85 ethanol compatible rides. GMC and Chevrolet has started to use these highly prestigious events a s advertising platforms to present their environmentally friendly line of vehicles which now numbers to almost 20 types, making GM the largest manufacturer of green vehicles in the entire world. They began with the 50th Annual Grammy, then the 39th NAACP Image Awards and now the Oscars. The company is also hosting an event titled, “Chevy Rocks the Future” which is their version of an appeal to the younger generation to turn to alternative fuelled vehicles for a greener and brighter future. A full fleet of Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicles will ferry celebrities to the awards ceremony making it a green and celebrity filled night for all.
GM is capitalizing on green technology to give it the edge in the ever competitive automotive industry which Toyota currently tops as the leader in global markets. Cleaner and zero emission vehicles are getting better and better with the advent of advances in the fuel-cell arena such as research in direct ethanol fuel cells which are now for release in the IT and Consumer Electronics market to power digital devices from all over. Other variants are also making their own advances making the dream of a totally green auto industry a bit more of reality than a dream.
Alternative fuel vehicles have been plagued by many bugs such as fuel delivery, fuel distribution infrastructure and storage issues along with the fact that the fuels used are either highly combustible (Hydrogen) or even lethal to humans(Methanol and Ethanol which come from the same group of alcohol types). Developments have solved some of the problems though some still exist, the promises the technology has is so enticing that people cannot turn their heads on the technology which only has water as a byproduct.
Continued from the previous post.
For the cons, well there isn’t much for the only problem they have seen so far is that there was a higher emission level for carbon monoxide (which is deadly to humans) and that it will decrease the engines maximum output to some extent. There is also a nasty trait of BioDiesel that it is a very good solvent that any deposits in the engine or fuel system can get dislodged by the fuel causing clogging in filters, pumps and other fuel delivery parts. After switching to BioDiesel or the other available blends (pure biodiesel or B100 or mixed with petroleum diesel and sold as B20) it is recommended that you get the fuel pump changed and all other parts that are made of rubber in it’s many forms and shapes with non-rubber ones to avoid leaks and spraying you with the stuff.
No fuel alternative is perfect for most of them are still in the development stage. Opposed to the almost century old history of the current diesel and gas powered engines, the technologies for alternative energy/fuel are still in their infancy. There are some who argue that shifting to BioDiesel will increase emissions rather than decrease it. It would also create problems with grain exports for farmers would opt to farm higher yield BioDiesel producing crops than export grains. The landscape would change from diverse fields of several diverse grains to corn or other more productive oil producing crops. An answer to this would be research into using algae (microscopic plants) for BioDiesel production to minimize the economic impact crop shifts would have.
We will surely see more and more green vehicles and alternatives at the gas pump in the future for we have no choice. We have poisoned the earth for so long that the effects are now causing catastrophic changes to our weather and health. We just hope these technologies would filter down faster to the end-user (which is you and me) as they get to perfect their respective technologies before it is too late for mother earth.
The technology has been in use for quite sometime and there are a select group of individuals who do use and support the use of BioDiesel. The fuel comes from used cooking oil and unused cooking oil that is processed to break down the fatty acid that makes up the vegetable oil.
Transesterification is the process of converting the base material (which is common used cooking grease in a reaction vessel that converts it into fuel grade diesel fuel. It is filtered through very fine membranes that takes out any foreign matter or suspended matter in the case of used oil and then mixed with methanol or some other alcohol with potassium hydroxide added as a catalyst. The result of the chemical reaction are esters and glycerol with the first one being the BioDiesel.
Like all fuels, the technology has its pro’s and con’s which are currently being addressed with research and the development of better refining technologies. On the good side of things, it is biodegradable, mainly because it comes from natural products and bacteria can break it down unlike petroleum based products that can damage the environment. Surprisingly, BioDiesel also performs better in terms of engine lubrication for it has a better ability to seep into the engine’s parts (due to smaller molecules) prolonging engine life and efficiency. The last benefit is that it needs little if no additional modification to your current engine setup (well except for the fact that all hoses and fuel delivery parts that are made of rubber is dissolved by the stuff) allowing minimal implementation costs. It can also be mixed with petroleum diesel in ratios specified by the ASTM as B20 or 20% bidiesel and 80% Petroleum Diesel. Higher concentrations should be evaluated on a case to case basis for some people have been using pure Biodiesel for years. The problems associated with the technology will be expanded on in the next post.
This has become the case with many cars whether they be green (alternative fueled) or newer generations of classics that still use petroleum-based products but are so efficient with respect to their emission controls that they have little or no emissions at all. Catalytic converters have long been a mainstay of the auto industry since they became mandatory by law way back in the late 70’s and early 80’s but unbeknownst to all, these devices though considered to be quite rugged can and do get their fair share of problems. Leaks, cracked pipes and elements are just some of them. They are also quite expensive for the reactive compounds use exotic metals such as platinum and silver.
Catalytic converters refine the exhaust of your vehicle via chemical reaction converting harmful/highly toxic gasses to less toxic ones. The trend nowadays is to produce a more efficient emission control device that would strip most if not totally eliminate the waste products of internal combustion engines. There are currently vehicles that are powered both by alternative fuel and gas that have the best emission control systems on earth but as the blog states, not all American states have them as part of their inventory. As it turns out, green cars are only available in those states that have the highest pollution control penalties.
So even if you do want to go green and got the cash to shell out for the extra they charge for these green machines, they might just not be available in your state, yet. Till all the states and eventually the world places enough laws to allow them or make them mandatory, you might have to wait a few more years for you to get one parked into your car as we all try to lower our carbon footprints in the future.
Got a request from one of our readers regarding how to drive over steep inclines especially when stuck in traffic. This is kinda’ tricky but with practice you can conquer these inclines with relative ease. First, try to get to know the vehicle you are driving; are the brakes in good condition, does the handbrake function properly? I ask this for they would come in handy with a nice trick that can save you from rolling down as you are stuck in traffic later.
Try to gauge the steepness of the incline that you are going to drive through. Anything more than 10 degrees can send you rolling backwards uncontrollably without fast reflexes. Try to test the effectiveness of the brakes by going up a few meters, stepping on the pedals and see if the car still rolls backwards ( Keep your hand on the handbrake so you can stop if you do end up rolling backwards). If you are climbing without any traffic problem, it would be relatively easy for the car’s momentum will tend to get you over (try shifting to lower gears so you get more traction. If you are stuck in traffic going up, here’s a nifty trick you can try.
As you stop and press the brakes, engage the handbrake (I’ll advise you to keep your foot on the pedal so if the handbrake gives, your foot on the brake pedal prevents you from crashing into the vehicle behind you.). When traffic starts to move, give the vehicle in front of you a few meters clearance, depress the clutch and set the stick into first gear. Try getting the exact instance between the clutch engaging and releasing so you are set to roll as you release the handbrake. As you slowly release the clutch you would hear the engine straining a bit from the clutch engaging. As the engine tries to propel the car forward (which would be quite impossible for the handbrake is still engaged) release the handbrake slowly as you depress the gas pedal to get more power to the wheels(not too fast or you end up rear-ending the car in front). You should then begin to lurch forward allowing you to resume driving up.
The steeper the incline, the harder it would be to do this driving technique. Going down the same incline, use the engine for additional braking power (the process is aptly called engine braking which is quite complicated but necessary for economic engine operation) by selecting lower gears (1st and 2nd ) which has lower gear ratios that stops the vehicle aiding the brakes in the stopping of your vehicle. Others tend to use the clutch as a method of preventing the car from going backwards, which is not only dangerous for you can stall the engine suddenly sending you into trouble (it is also a sure way to burn out your clutch sending you for costly repairs to the clutch system and even the transmission).
Note: If you think the angle of the climb is greater than what your brakes can handle; do not continue driving up for you might not have enough braking power to stop in the hanging position sending you crashing into the vehicle behind you. Stay at the bottom till there is enough distance for the engine to get enough power over the top. Keep your hands on the handbrake so you can get additional braking power in case you do stall. Still not convinced if you can do the routine, try it on a steep driveway or somewhere traffic isn’t so hard like the bridge in the park away from traffic.
If you notice a leak in one or more of your hoses, a few turns of electrical tape which can be in your toolbox, overlapped can get you enough time to get to a gas station. If you cannot get the problem solved due to lack of parts, you can drive say fro a couple of minutes, stop and let the engine cool and drive again till you can either get home or to the nearest mechanic. Towing would be the best option if you have access to it. For cars with an in-line engine (the engine is parallel with respect to the wheels) there might be a belt that has either slipped or disintegrated preventing the cooling fan from turning. A piece of rope or twine can become a temporary solution as long as you tie it down tightly allowing you to get to help(keep the engine revolutions to a minimal or you could send the temporary belt slamming into something which can make a bad situation worse).
These tips can be used to help you get to a safe place to get your engine fixed as soon as possible and are only meant to allow driving for such. Get the car fixed as soon as possible for this can be sure sign of a failure within the engine’s cooling system that can ultimately shorten it’s life sending it faster to the recycling center. This problem can be avoided with proper maintenance and inspection which can be done at each check-up, but as everybody knows it, the unexpected is what we all have to prepare for and engine overheating is one that just happens to occur when you are in the most unlikely places out of reach of the nearest garage or tow truck. Drive safe, buckle up.
If you see steam from the engine compartment, you can turn off the engine and wait for it to cool down a bit before attempting to do anything under the hood. If there is no steam, you can open the hood and try to see if you can safely open the radiator cap. Only attempt to do this if you know how, for you can get seriously burned if there was steam or hot water under pressure to escape from a hastily removed radiator cap. Get a rag or disposable piece of clothing that would extend over the radiator cap and protect you from any rising steam or water. Twist the cap slowly paying attention to any steam which can indicate a dangerous pressure buildup in the system. If none is apparent, apply pressure on the cap while continuing to undo the cap slowly lifting the cap to release any pressure within the radiator. Once you get it opened, check to see if there is water or coolant in the radiator, adding accordingly if there is a lack thereof. Remember that you only add water to an overheating engine if it is still running, WHY?
If you turn the engine off, the engine’s various components begin to cool at different rates with the ones exposed to external air cooling quickly than those inside the engine. Killing the engine, stops the water pump from turning thus, preventing water from circulating through all the engine’s components equally to cool them properly. If you add water to the engine while it is off, the water cools the components it comes in contact first which can crack the engine block or other parts of the engine because of the different rates they are cooling. Hot metal expands, cool metals contract. Say the piston has cooled down due to less friction that occurred when you turned the engine off, the engine block which is more dense cools rapidly as you add water making it contract getting the piston stuck on the cylinder or bore resulting in a totally trashed engine.
An overheating engine can be caused by many factors but is mostly concerned with the engine’s cooling system that begins with the radiator, the hoses, water pump, the drive belts and the blowers or fans that cools the radiator. There are also varying methods to deal with such problems and here are some tips that you can add to your bag of tricks when your car does suffer from and overheat.
First, if you are driving and the temperature gauge begins to rise out of the normal, turn off the air conditioning to lower the strain on the engine and see if that remedies the problem. Get to a gas station to have it checked for it might be a sure sign of a deeper problem with respect to the engine’s cooling system. Driving on a blistering hot day in traffic with the air conditioner should not cause any concern for newer cars which still have new components but for older cars, that might be too much for the old-clunker to handle.
If that does not lower the temperature of the engine, drive to the nearest gas station for assistance. With some luck, they might have a mechanic on duty that can easily get you back on the road. If you just happen to have a back-up supply of water in the trunk, drive to the side of the road so you can safely diagnose the problem but “DO NOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE” if you intend to add water to the radiator. Any radiator fluid or water dripping from the hoses, engine or from any part of the cooling system can be a sure sign of a hose break or a leak in the many rubber plugs that covers unused hose ports on the engine.
A super-car with its sleek looks and exotic feel, the Lotus Elise is a roadster one would truly enjoy on the road. With a Carbon fiber composite body and epoxy bonded extruded aluminum for it’s base structure, the low weight allows it to come to a top speed of around 150 mph going from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The soft cloth top, LED taillights, sealed headlights and daytime running lights, this futuristic looking roadster fits in alongside the Porches and the other notable roadsters of today. The suspension is fully independent with unequal length wishbones combined with Bilsten mono-tube gas dampers, an Eibach Coil Springs and a front anti sway bar it all adds up to a stable and smooth ride in all road conditions. The four ventilated cross-drilled disk brakes coupled with Lotus’s racing and Brembo Calipers with ABS, braking is smooth and reliable even during the most demanding turns and maneuvers.
It’s 190 Horsepower, 1.8 Liter Mid-mounted 4 cylinder engine loaded with DOHCs and VVTL-I makes for a powerful powerhouse that delivers on demand. Multi-point injection ensures the engine gets the most amount of power when requested for and the electronic controlled ignition and throttle control maximizes the engines capabilities at the users command and demand.
The Lotus Elise comes from a long line of historic and pioneering cars that have always managed to stay in the news in spite of its low presence on the roads. The car’s history has maintained a loyal following and assures it a place in the cars to look out for in the years to come. At just under $60,000 US, the car is considered to be a medium priced roadster, but alongside the Audi’s, Lambo’s and Porche’s, it is a car to be reckoned with indeed.
