Hybrid cars are excellent choices for helping the environment by using less fuel and more efficiency, but hybrids also require less maintenance. Hybrid vehicles are designed to require less service and are made to last longer and run better made than a conventional car.

When deciding between a hybrid and a traditional car, all factors should be considered. Hybrid vehicles are lower on emissions, use less fuel and because they have fewer parts, tend to last longer. The following are three reasons by hybrids go in for less maintenance.

The generator of a hybrid can take on multiple tasks.

The generator on a hybrid is an important aspect of the car. A hybrid uses a separate gas engine that powers the generator. The engine on most hybrids are very small, usually a ten to twenty horsepower. It is designed to run at one speed to get maximum efficiency. The generator of a hybrid is able help to take on the tasks of several other parts of the car. This reduces wear and tear on parts that often need replacement on a conventional car. Because the generator takes on several tasks, the hybrid car is able to recapture energy when coasting or breaking to recharge the battery. This reduces battery usage and the battery in a hybrid will need to be replaced less often. Because the generator handles 80 percent of the braking, the brake life is extended, as well. Also, with a hybrid, there is the reduced chance of having warped rotors due to less heat to the generator doing more of the break work.

Another advantage of having less wear on the break system from the generator is that the brake fluid life is extended because there is minimal contamination of fluid due to less heat build up. Break pads on a hybrid tend to last longer, as well.

A hybrid vehicle has less car parts to wear out than a traditional car.

Because of the way hybrids are built, they use less auto parts. Less auto parts means less vehicle wear and replacement. This type of technology also does away with a regular starter. Not having a starter makes one less component that will need to be replaced over time. With no starter, there is no way to accidentally grind the flywheel.

The battery and motor of a hybrid do not require any maintenance over the life of the car. The engine is also designed to last longer and does not require any more maintenance than a traditional car.

The air conditioning system used in a hybrid car works by electricity and non-hybrid cars use a traditional pulley driven off a gas motor. Because the car is not running the gas motor to cool the car, there is no air conditioning belt to wear out. In addition, there is no belt required for the steering. Because the steering is electric and not hydraulic, is has minimal kickback when driving over rough or uneven roads.

There is usually no valve adjustments needed in a hybrid either. Because the motor is not constantly running, it does not wear the valve system out, if present in the car. Also, injectors in a hybrid may never need to be cleaned. There is less deposit over time on the injectors, requiring less maintenance.

Hybrid cars usually come with longer warranties.

Many makers of hybrid cars such as Honda and Toyota offer longer warranties on hybrids than on traditional cars. The Honda Insight offers an eight year or 80,000 mile warranty on hybrids. This includes the batteries and the power train. The Toyota Prius offers buyers with an eight-year or 100,000 mile warranty on the battery and the hybrid system. Longer warranties on these cars make an attractive feature for buyers looking for a more efficient way of driving.

When choosing between a conventional car and a hybrid look at all of the long-term possibilities. Hybrid cars can offer drivers a longer lasting car because they are built to last longer. Hybrids are also worth considering because they require less maintenance than a regular car. They offer better fuel overall efficiency, have less parts that wear out over time and many makers of hybrids offer longer warranties.

About the author:

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. For quality car care products for your vehicle go to http://www.stopwaxing.com

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

While the news reports concerning hurricanes, flood damages and the travesty that was put upon the unfortunate victims have slowed down, the dangers and hazards are still present.



With reports varying upwards of 600,000 vehicles damaged by floodwaters, these cars and trucks will most certainly, and already have, surfaced across the country, waiting on their next victim.



It’s easy to let your guard down with out much media publicity, but used car buyers should be aware that these vehicles are still out in the market, perhaps cross country in states that are not affected by the floods.



A couple of common issues that have surfaced, that you should be aware of, is sellers attempting to hide the origin of where these cars came from. By registering the vehicle in different states, it creates a paper trail that can be difficult to trace unless you spend the time for researching.



Another common issue is sellers changing license plate frames or adding an emblem from another state. This of course is designed to hide or deceive the potential buyer of what state the car came from.



The question remains, what steps should a consumer take to minimize their risk of purchasing one of these damaged vehicles? The below tips, ideas and suggestions will at least minimize your risk of purchasing a car or truck that has been involved with floodwaters.



Check the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s web site at www.nicb.org, they have compiled a list of vehicles that have that have been affected by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. While this list may not include every single vehicle, it’s a good place to start with.



Also run an online history report, once again, this database may not be all-inclusive, but it’s another step in the process of elimination.



Knowledge Is King, and it can’t have more meaning than in your quest for a quality used automobile. Following the below inspection tips will offer some added protection as well, and perhaps is the most effective means of determining in the vehicle was involved in floods.



Inspect for grass and debris around the radiator, underneath around the frame, front and rear suspension components, etc.

Check for standing waterlines in the engine compartment, rear firewall area, and even inside door pockets of the door panels and interior trim areas.

Mildew smell inside due to wet carpeting and padding indicate the possibility water intrusions.

Inspect connectors and wiring for signs of corrosion, physically disconnect a few connectors and inspect the terminals. Corrosion evidence will be a green or white chalk type substance or rust color.

Look for rusted bolts and metal components, particularly underneath seats where water has been standing.

Inspect for windows fogging up on the inside after the vehicle has sat overnight, this is an indication that there may be water underneath the carpet and or carpet padding.

Inspect trunk area for waterlines, corroded connectors and wiring.

With a keen eye and a little knowledge you can minimize the risk of spending thousands of dollars on a vehicle that has potential long-term effects by water damage.



Usedcarwise.com offers a comprehensive “how to” course designed to educate the average consumer on protecting themselves when used car shopping.

For more information visit the web site at www.usedcarwise.com or call toll free 1 866 374 WISE (9473).

About the author:

Jerry Christopher, owner http://www.usedcarwise.com

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

(ARA) - Pets are part of the family, and like other family members, often travel in the car. Whether it s a trip to the vet, a driving vacation or a ride to the park, transporting your pet can take a toll on the car and the animal. Sharp claws can pierce the upholstery, pet hair can coat the seats and muddy paws or wet fur can leave stains and odors behind. Pets get nervous and excited and are unprotected from hard surfaces during sudden stops or turns.

Instead of makeshift solutions such as an old blanket in the back seat, why not invest in some accessories that let you pet travel in comfort while protecting the investment you ve made in your vehicle? AutoSport, a catalog company that specializes in products that make driving fun, offers a variety of solutions for traveling with your pet.

Next to your home, your car is probably the largest investment you will make, notes Barry Wilson, product training manager for AutoSport, and the owner of three dogs. But unlike your home, your car will depreciate over time. How much your car depreciates will often depend on the condition it is in upon resale. This is why proper car care is so important.

Among the most popular and practical products offered in the catalog are the Pet Pad and custom fit covers for seats. The Pet Pad is a heavy-duty quilted cover that attaches to the seat with elastic straps. The cover is made from rip-stop nylon, which means claws won t cause damage. It is also machine washable for easy care; and since it s waterproof, accidents won t soak into upholstery.

If you own a late model car, minivan or SUV, AutoSport offers several custom-fit covers to protect your interior from four-legged friends (and kids, too). The rear seat cover attaches easily to the rear headrests, and protects the entire back seat; the special nonslip back and weighted skirt help keep it in place. Seat belt openings in the cover mean that you don t have to remove it when you want to put people in the back seat. The cargo liner adds protection and padded comfort to the cargo area of your SUV, minivan or station wagon. For maximum protection, the custom coverall shields the rear seat, the rear floor and even the front seatback. Ordering is simple — no measuring involved. All you need to know is the make, model and year (2000 or newer) of your vehicle.

Drivers need all their focus on the road and can t afford distractions like a pet jumping into their lap. Restraining or confining your pet in the car is safer for you, your family and your pet, Wilson points out. Keeping your pet comfortable will also lead to a more pleasant trip for everyone in the vehicle. People who love to travel with their pets want to protect their pet and their automobile, he says.

Here are some tips for making a driving trip pleasant for you and your pet:

* Protect your pets with the proper restraint or carrier for their safety and yours.

* Keep your pets on their regular diets when traveling. Try not to feed them for about six hours before the trip to help keep their stomach settled.

* Stop to let your pet exercise every couple of hours on long trips.

* Never leave your pet unattended in the car, even for a short period of time. It doesn t take long for a car to become dangerously hot.

* Pets appreciate fresh air when traveling, but don t let them ride with their heads outside car windows or in the bed of a pickup truck. Particles of dirt can penetrate eyes, ears and nose, causing injury.

In addition to seat and cargo protectors, AutoSport offers a wide variety of products to help you and your pet travel safer, such as a pet tent to keep your pet contained during trips; a pet barrier to keep your pet in the back of the vehicle; a booster car seat; a safety harness to buckle up your pet; and more.

Customers call in need of pet products to solve specific problems. Since many of us here use these products ourselves, we are familiar with the problems pet owners face. We have found that the right combination of products can keep pets safe and your car showroom new. This insures that your pet and your car will travel many trouble free miles, says Wilson.

See the entire catalog of automotive accessories by visiting www.autosportcatalog.com, or calling (800) 726-1199 for a catalog.

Courtesy of ARA Content

About the author:

Courtesy of ARA Content

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