Re-Thinking Fuel Additives: Making Them an Integral Part of Fuel Production

February 6, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Fuel additives, or compounds which change the chemical makeup of gasoline or diesel fuel, are already familiar to most people.

Racing enthusiasts know about fuel performance additives used by racing car drivers to improve their 0-60 time. People who live in cold climates and drive diesel engines use an additive to stop fuel from congealing, and when leaded petrol was phased out, drivers of older models used a lead petrol additive to ensure the fuel matched their engine type. Other fuel additives help clean the engine, preserve the “shelf life” of fuel when it’s stored for a long time, or increase mileage per gallon.

Additives can be applied by fuel providers and gas station owners to enhance all the fuel offered for sale, removing the need for consumers to buy and add them separately. To some extent, this is already a reality, with many fuel stations selling high-octane fuels alongside regular petrol and diesel options. Those more expensive fuels are simply regular fuels with specific additives already added by the gas station owners.

But fuel additives have the potential to do far more than improve car performance or stabilize fuel. At a time when the impact of fossil fuels on both climate change and public health are once again at the forefront of general conversation, it’s wise to reexamine the contribution that fuel additives can make, and consider ways to use them to reduce the harm of automotive fuel.

Fuel emissions create a world of hurt

The developed world, especially the US and Western Europe, is addicted to cars. In the US alone, drivers consume 378 million gallons of gasoline every day, and keep 253 million vehicles on the roads for an average daily commute of 54 minutes per person. The gasoline used for all these journeys produces emissions that have a terrible impact on our health, and are a major source of chemicals responsible for global warming.

Gasoline-powered vehicles, whether they use petrol or diesel fuel, emit multiple harmful chemicals including carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene, particulate matter, and unburnt hydrocarbons. Carbon dioxide is a significant greenhouse gas, while carbon monoxide is a poison that prevents oxygen absorption in the body. Approximately 430 Americans die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning

Particulate matter is made up of tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and pass into the bloodstream, carrying harmful compounds with them. Hundreds of thousands of people and animals die prematurely each year because of particulate matter. Both particulate matter and hydrocarbons can be carcinogenic, harm the skin, and contribute to heart disease and auto-immune disorders.

Benzene is another carcinogenic emission that is toxic to plants and aquatic life; sulfur dioxide can damage the lungs and destroy rivers and waterways; and nitrogen dioxide causes acid rain, weakens the respiratory system, and can convert into a corrosive and oxidizing gas if it’s heated above 21°C.

In terms of direct impact on human health, the WHO concludes that “about 100 000 premature adult deaths attributable to air pollution occur each year in the WHO European Region. Emissions from road traffic account for a significant share of this burden.”

Millions more people die every year as a result of extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, floods, avalanches, heatwaves, and drought, caused by climate change in which transportation plays a significant role.

Fuel additives can help mitigate the disaster

Against this backdrop, there is some good news. Simple fuel additives like FuelGems can turn ordinary petrol and diesel into fuels that are far cleaner and produce lower emissions. Gas station owners, petrol companies, and the owners of large fleets with on-site refueling stations can buy additives in bulk and add them to the fuel before sending it to distributors or filling tanks.

“If additives are needed, it should be done at the fuel supplier terminal,” says John Moore, PowerTrain product marketing manager for Volvo Trucks, North America. It’s more effective and efficient this way, reducing the risk that drivers will forget to use them, helping ensure additives are used correctly, and lowering the chances that consumers will balk at the modest price increase. FuelGems fuel additive adds only 2 cents to a gallon of fuel, a price rise that would barely be noticed at the pump.

FuelGems fuel additive is made up of nanoparticles that dissolve in gasoline or solvent to directly change the way an internal combustion engine impacts the environment. With this addition, fuel consumption drops by 8%, carbon dioxide emission by 8%, carbon monoxide by 15%, particulate matter drops by 6%, and unburnt hydrocarbons fall by 50%. In this way, the same tank of gas causes less damage on the environment and to public health, without requiring anyone to change their habits.

Electric cars are not enough

Pinning your hopes on the electric vehicle market as a solution would be a mistake. A McKinsey report found that electric vehicle sales have slowed dramatically in the last year or so, stating that “EV sales rose 65 percent from 2017 to 2018 (Exhibit 1). But in 2019, the number of units sold increased only to 2.3 million, from 2.1 million, for year-on-year growth of just 9 percent. Equally sobering, EV sales declined by 25 percent during the first quarter of 2020.”

In an ideal world, would be entirely using electric vehicles and higher-density public transportation, which results in lower emissions per passenger. But we’re not in an ideal world. By 2050, it’s estimated that 66-77% of all vehicles will still be powered by diesel or gasoline.

Waiting for electric vehicles to save the planet at that rate will take a very long time.

This is due to two reasons. 1. Slow adoption of electric cars 2. Electricity comes from fossil fuels, needs to come 100% from renewable, and god knows how long this will take.

Electric cars are as clean as the electricity they use. USA electricity mix is coal 30%, natural gas 34%, nuclear 20%. Electric cars use electricity of which the majority (60%+) comes from fossil fuels.

Fuel additives are an immediate solution that can significantly reduce degradation of the planet and help preserve the environment and human health over the next several decades.

Filed Under: Fuel Economy Logs

Five Advantages of Electric Car Driving

November 4, 2020 by Leave a Comment

The Many Boons of Driving an Electric Car

If you’re like most people these days, then you’ve heard a discussion about the electric car. What exactly are electric cars? They’re what they seem to be. Electric cars, in a nutshell, are vehicles that depend on electric motors for any and all propulsion requirements. People often call them “EVs” or “electric vehicles.” It isn’t uncommon for people to wonder about electric cars and “tomorrow.” The reality is that many people anticipate that they’re going to be everywhere in the coming years. That’s the reason that prominent automotive brands constantly introduce them to their vast selections. If you’re thinking seriously about getting your hands on an electric vehicle, then you should first learn about the advantages of doing so.

1. Reduced Fuel Expenses

Reading about Tesla earnings can be a joy for people who care about vehicles and transportation. What else can be a joy for them? Minimizing fuel expenses dramatically. Doing away with fuel expenses entirely can be even better. If you want to save a lot of money, then it may be in your greatest interest to take the electric car route as soon as possible. It can cost a pretty penny to have to go to the gasoline station every few days. If you opt for an electric car, then you do not have to cover gas costs. Since these costs are unpredictable, getting rid of them can take care of a huge burden for you. You can turn around and use that money to build a nest egg, take a vacation, or get the invisible braces you always wanted.

2. Decreased Vehicle Emissions

If you’re like many contemporary individuals, then you care about sustainability. You care about doing your part to do something beneficial for the environment and the planet. If you transition to using an electric car, then you can minimize the harm that you cause the globe and its citizens. Standard vehicles give off carbon dioxide. That’s how they pave the way for greenhouse gases that float around in the air and speed up the process of climate-changing. If you choose a vehicle that operates solely using electricity, then it won’t emit carbon dioxide at all. There are electric cars that rely on electricity that comes from suppliers that are renewable. It can be a terrific idea to look into solar, hydropower, and wind options. People who want to decrease their carbon footprints significantly often take the electric car path.

3. Inexpensive Maintenance Work

It can cost an arm and a leg to have to stay on top of the condition of any kind of vehicle. If you want to revel in the convenience of inexpensive maintenance work, you should look into electric cars and all that they have to offer you. Electric cars in many cases do not have as many components that move. They do not have to get as much professional service from mechanics. If you want to invest in a car that doesn’t involve any thought that relates to radiators, fuel injection systems, starter motors, or costly exhaust systems, then electric vehicles may be right up your alley.

4. Energy Independence

It can be a joy to relish the concept of energy independence. Having to depend on different sources for energy can be a massive burden. If you own and drive a standard car, then you have no choice but to think about gasoline stations practically all of the time. That’s because gasoline is the sole fueling choice for people who are in that situation. If you secure an electric car, then you can turn to a number of electricity generation techniques. These cars enable people to boost their energy independence in a big way. If you’re the kind of person who loves being able to take care of things on your own, then the electric car path may be in your destiny.

5. Lower Amounts of Pollution

Pollution can make the world unsightly. It can make breathing a lot more difficult as well. If you opt for a car that’s part of the electric classification, then you can decrease pollution considerably. Exhaust emissions aren’t exactly good news for people who have concerns about air pollution that’s detrimental to human beings in any way, shape, or form. If you want to eliminate all concerns that relate to exhaust emissions, you should look into getting an electric car as soon as possible.

Filed Under: Driving Habits Tagged With: ,

Be a Safer Driver With Tips For Beginners

November 22, 2019 by Leave a Comment

You went to the DMV, passed your driving test, and have that new license hot from the presses and ready to use. You may even be driving your first vehicle. That is awesome and you should be proud of your accomplishment. 

There are a lot of thoughts running through your head, and you are thinking about hitting the road in your Jeep. It is a used vehicle, but you want to keep it looking good by getting a Jeep Wrangler cover to keep it looking good. That will be your first purchase now that you have your license.

Don’t be too eager to hit the asphalt because beginner drivers have very little experience and may need help navigating the rules of the road. New drivers have the highest rate of accidents and even fatalities when compared to other drivers.

These driving tips will keep you safe while you learn the ropes of the open road. Read carefully. They might just save your life.

 1. Don’t Text and Drive 

I know it has been said more times than you can count, but don’t text or talk on the phone while you’re driving. The phone is easily a distraction and to stay safe you need to keep your eyes on the road.

Who hasn’t seen adds about the accidents that can happen with distracted driving? In fact, it may be a great idea to turn the phone on an airplane mode or do not disturb mode. This will lessen the temptation for distraction and your hands will remain firmly on the wheel.

 2. Driver Education 

Driver education is a must when it comes to learning how to stay safe and alert on the road. From how to park, to when to turn on your blinker, driver education is essential for teaching a new driver the rules of the road. Passing your class may help you earn a safe driver discount from various agencies.

 3. Stay Alert 

It is imperative to your safety that you stay alert and aware while driving. Before backing out of your driveway or turning a corner, make sure you look ahead of you, check both sides, and behind. Check your rearview mirror, and stay aware of your blind spot when changing lanes or backing up.

Make sure your eyes are firmly on the road. This goes back to the first tip, meaning avoid those cell phones. If you are checking your social media while at a red light, you may be distracted and need to make a few changes.

Always be cautious while driving. It only takes a tiny moment of distraction to cause an accident or even a fatality. Be careful out there; it can be dangerous.

 4. Don’t Tailgate 

Tailgating may seem like a great way to send a message to a driver who isn’t matching your speed. Take note: those pesky drivers who always go the speed limit, not a mile over or under, may just be the safest drivers on the road. What if they have to step on the brake suddenly and because you were following too close, you crash into the back of their car. This can be avoided by not tailgating the slower cars.

 5. Go the Speed Limit 

The speed limit is there for a reason. It is the official safest driving speed, least likely to get you into an accident. The speed is based on how sharp turns are, or how winding or bumpy a road is, whether or not you’re in a rural area, etc. If you’re in a hurry, it may be a good idea to leave a little sooner next time. Speeding is dangerous, and you may find yourself in a fatal accident if you aren’t careful. The same goes for going less than the speed limit under reasonable conditions.

 6. Don’t Drink and Drive 

Alcohol impairs your senses and, most importantly, your ability to reason and stay alert. Drinking and driving can lead to fatal accidents due to impaired cognizance. If you are at a party and have had a little too much to drink, ask a designated friend to drive you home or take a Lyft.

 7. Drive Safe 

To reiterate, it is important that you stay safe on the road. Stay alert and aware, avoiding distractions. Make sure you don’t use any substances or devices that may impair your vision or ability to think. If you are distracted or impaired, you could end up in an accident that could result in the fatality of yourself or someone else.

Filed Under: Common Sense

How the Digital Age of Information Helps You Save Money

October 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Making money and saving money has been made easy over the last couple of decades. Even though the cost of buying things continues to rise for the family, there are many ways to offset these increases, including using the internet to find the best deals. While you may need a little extra time in your schedule to the research, the time that you use is often well spent. In fact, to give you a little encouragement in doing so, here are just a few fundamental benefits of using the internet to find information that you need.

Knowledge on How to Make Good Investment Decisions

The average person can learn how to stretch their earnings by making smart investment decisions they have learned online. Even when people do not have thousands of dollars to invest in the stock market, they can still build a diverse dinar intel investment portfolio with the amounts that they have available. For instance, if you have an interest in growing your earnings by investing in penny stocks, you can find sites online that can assist you in achieving your financial goals. Some of these sites will help you to determine how little or how high you need to go to get started. You will learn what fees you may be required to pay along with what is considered to be reasonable or too much.

As you acquire more and more information and you begin to grow what you have invested, there are also sites that can help you to move to the next steps. For instance, you will have a chance to learn how to diversify your investments into stocks, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposits, real estate and a host of other investment opportunities that can help you to increase your financial wealth.

Good Info on Your Vehicle’s Fuel Cost

Sometimes people use a lot of fuel in their cars because they just don’t know how to avoid burning it up while they are on the road driving or simply filling it up when it is time. Thankfully, with so much valuable information online, there are a wide variety of tips and recommendations that can be used to minimize the cost of even owning a vehicle today. This information can help to save on the cost greatly on a weekly to annual basis when they are applied on a day to day basis. Based on info from consumers and experts in the fuel industry, just a few changes can a big difference in what you are paying out of pocket for the fuel for your car. Typically, one of the first things that you should know is don’t wait to fill your car and do not stop just anywhere to buy your gas. You should buy your fuel strategically, here are two great cost savings tips.

Don’t stop at gas stations that are located near the highway. You may know this rule from your own experience if you have noticed the differences in the price of gas in your neighborhood. Usually, because tourists need gas quickly when they are traveling to and from one city to another, they usually make pitstops for gas at those stations that are closer to their exit. In fact, they will not wander around farther into the cities that they travel through to buy their gas. Because of this, gas stations near the highways can charge quite a bit more for each gallon that they sell. For instance, due to the higher demand and less accessibility for the gas that they need, some places may charge as much thirty cents more per gallon or more.

Slow down and drive steady 

Driving fast to get to the place that you need to go may save you a little time, but it will also increase the amount of fuel that your car consumes. To avoid paying for a heavy foot on the gas syndrome, you should change your driving practices. For instance, rather than leaving late, you should leave early enough to take it easy so that you can drive at reasonable speed within the law and at a smooth pace.

The digital age of information is beneficial for many different reasons. With so much info available on the internet today, this data can easily become overwhelming. However, as you learn how to dive in to get what you need, you can use what you have found to save money and increase your wealth as you go.

Filed Under: Creative Ideas

You Can Save Money in Many Ways

October 3, 2019 by Leave a Comment

The prices of commodities keep on increasing and we must be managing our resources responsibly. Food, clothing, and fuel are some of the basic needs that every person needs. We need to determine ways to save money because it can help us manage our finances. The more resources we conserve, the fewer expenses will be generated. Here are some of the strategies that everyone should follow especially if they wanted to save their resources.

Tips on buying stocks

When buying stocks, make sure that it will give you profit. Most of the time, people are carried away by the sudden price increase of a stock. Suddenly the price drops leaving them in limbo. You need to hunt for companies that give the best dividend stocks because it can help you establish your wealth. Lastly, do some research before buying a stock. Many people thought that the stock market is a simple way of earning money, but what they never realized is that the stock market requires a lot of skills. People who want to enter the stock market should have basic knowledge of how the stock prices move. When you master trading at the stock market, you will be surprised by the amount of money that you can earn.

Tips on saving fuel

Fuel is one of the most important resources that people need. However, many do not realize that they end up wasting fuel, especially if they are not following these tips:

  • When driving, make sure that your vehicle is not running against the wind. Your vehicle needs to become aerodynamic to prevent the generation of additional force when facing the winds.
  • Slowing down can also help you save more fuel. For example, if you are running at a speed of 80 mph and suddenly you slow down to 70 mph, you will be able to save at least twenty-five percent of your fuel.
  • The vehicle should also undergo regular maintenance to save more money. It includes changing the oil more often and checking the pressure on the tires.
  • Finally, you need to drive carefully because reckless driving can waste your fuel and you need to watch out for your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Tips on saving money when purchasing groceries

To save money on your groceries, you need to make sure that you create a list before going to the store to buy what you need. Avoid additional purchases, especially if it is not on your grocery list. Another thing that you should remember is to store your food effectively by freezing it or storing it in the fridge. This is important, especially when you want to make the most of your money. Lastly, you need to stick to your meal plan. It would help you save more money if you are following a strict plan for the week. You can also try being creative and learn how to mix and match the ingredients.

Tips on saving money when buying clothes

Clothes are not as important as food and fuel, but it is still a basic necessity. If you want to buy new clothes, you should think if you need it. Think twice before making any purchases because most of the time the clothes you buy end up inside the closet.

If you have old clothes that are only sitting inside your closet, try to sell them. Run a garage sale and try to sell to the public. If you need to buy clothes, try searching for coupons online. You can also hunt for the specific clothes that you are looking for through online retailers like eBay and Amazon.

Saving a lot of money can help us, especially during emergencies. Bank savings are the most preferred choices by the majority of the population, but because of the fees that are imposed by the bank, people tend to look for alternatives. Opening an account at the stock market and saving resources is becoming a better alternative for a lot of people. While it may require small sacrifices in the beginning, saving money by managing your resources responsibly would become beneficial in the long run. You should always look for the positive side of the situation and do everything that you can to save a lot of money.

Filed Under: Creative Ideas

7 Simple and Small Ways to Save on Gas

May 9, 2019 by Leave a Comment

While gas prices fluctuate most of the time, they seem to be on the rise. When there’s an increased demand for gasoline, such as the holiday season, that’s when the prices go up. The current gas prices in California, New York, and Texas are all different. California is the highest at $4.99, with New York at $2.98 and Texas at $2.61.

Utah car accident reports today are on the rise as well. People are out driving each day and accidents do happen. It’s important for drivers to learn how to drive safely and efficiently so they’re not negatively impacting the environment. When they are driving efficiently, they are also saving gas. 

If you’re a driver, you know how expensive gas is. But you have to drive to get to places. Finding the cheapest gas stations isn’t easy, but it’s possible when done effectively. There are several ways that you can save money at the pump. Here are seven tips that can help you save money on gas so you can reduce your environmental footprint.

Get Your Vehicle Serviced

One of the best ways to save money on gas is to get your vehicle serviced on a regular basis. Maintaining the health of your vehicle can greatly improve its fuel economy. One thing you’ll need to do is replace old or dirty filters as soon as possible. Then you should use the right motor oil.

Using the wrong motor oil makes your engine work harder and costs you more gas money. Make sure your tire pressure is always at the same level as recommended by your car’s manufacturer. You also should make sure that your tires are properly aligned. Regular service and maintenance can go a long way with saving money on gas.

Use the A/C Wisely

You may want to crank up the A/C on the hottest days of the month, but it’ll cost you more money on gas. If you end up driving fast, then driving fast with the windows open can cause drag and decrease fuel economy. If you use the A/C when you’re using the highway or freeway, you’re less likely to save money on gas. Depending on the vehicle, your A/C will turn on when you defrost your windshield. Using a less powerful setting can help you avoid wasting energy.

Find Cheap Gas Stations

When you’re looking for the cheapest gas station, you should stay away from wealthy neighborhoods. Use an app that can help you find the cheapest gas stations in your local area or in the suburbs. Some popular apps include AAA TripTik Mobile, GasBuddy, and Waze to help you find cheaper prices within your area. If you don’t want to use so much gas, wait until your tank is empty to fill it up.

Getting gas more than once a week is not a good idea for your vehicle. It could cause damage to your engine. It’s best to fill it up when you have a quarter tank of gas.

Drive More Efficiently

Not only should you monitor your speed, but you should also pay attention to your surroundings. Shut off the engine if your car has been idle in traffic or in a parking lot for a long period of time. Avoid driving over potholes and making sudden stops. Both of these tips can help you save money on gas.

Depending on the type of vehicle you own, you should use cruise control if you plan to drive for an extended amount of time. This allows you to less gas. In addition, you can save your money for an electric car, hybrid, or another type of fuel-efficient vehicle. Investing in a smart car will make better sense if you want better gas mileage.

Travel Lightly

Driving around with heavy cargo is enough to drag your vehicle down. Clean out your trunk every so often and remove anything that you don’t need. Getting rid of excess weight in your vehicle will allow you to increase your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Earn Rewards for Getting Gas

If you’re someone who drives a lot for work or for personal reasons, then you should apply for a credit card that provides rewards or points for getting gas. Depending on the credit card, you could earn up to 5% that you can use towards gas.

Saving on gas takes a little creativity. By changing the way you drive and taking care of your car, you can save hundreds on gasoline. If you want to determine the best times to get gas, then you should take advantage of it. The best times to get gas is usually early in the morning or late at night before closing time.

Filed Under: Creative Ideas

Why Americans Swear By Used Car Parts

May 9, 2019 by Leave a Comment

One thing that all Americans have in common is the love for their vehicles. Even back when cars first came out into the light in 1885, Americans were going crazy for their new form of transportation along with how the motor worked, the different styles they could choose from, and just simply how the car sounded starting up for the very first time. In today’s society, almost everything revolves around transportation. Fortunately for our car-loving American citizens, the love for cars has taught them how to properly care for every part in the vehicle. From the type of gas put into it, yearly inspections, and proper maintenance, every car owner knows what it takes to keep their vehicle up and running with just a little love and knowledge of automotive science.

Breakdown Problems

Due to the high need for transportation, when a vehicle breaks down it becomes a very large problem. When someone’s car is out of commission, it means no work, no grocery store trips, and no rides during emergency situations. In order to avoid this happening, it is always ideal to find used auto parts in case this incident was to occur. By knowing where to find a used car parts company, a car owner can contact them directly as soon as a part becomes broken and the problem can be resolved almost instantly.

Tips For Searching For The Best Used Car Parts

As there are many used car part stores in larger cities, it is important to shop around and find the most suitable pricing for what you are looking for. Even if there is a particular store that is easy to access, sometimes it is financially easier to skip a few towns over to save money on the parts needed to get a vehicle up and running properly. Another important aspect to consider when shopping for used parts is how old the item really is and what they are asking as far as price goes. No one wants to spend a bunch of money on a part that will not make it through the week.

Benefits of Purchasing Used Car Parts

  • Availability. When purchasing new car parts, there is a higher chance of the parts store not having the correct part compared to success rate of finding the correct one in a used parts store.
  • Price. The most obvious benefit to shopping for used car parts is the price. No one can go wrong purchasing the same part for half the price with just a little wear and tear.
  • Refurbished items. Almost all used car part stores offer refurbished parts which means the part was restored for optimal use. These are almost always the better option as buying just a used part can leave you wondering how long it will actually last.
  • Shopping online. Today, car owners have the luxury of purchasing their used car parts online and they are delivered right to their front door.

There is no better feeling in the world for an American than when a used car part is installed into their vehicle and it fires up perfectly. Sometimes used parts can be hard to find. You might have to go to a few companies before you find what you need.  When you do get your part and it runs correctly, it is the best luck someone could have. Once a vehicle is running after a used part is installed, it is always important to take it for a few test runs to make sure it doesn’t break or cause any problems in another area of the vehicle. Once the car is deemed as safe, there are no more missed shifts at work or worries of not being able to make it to the store for food for the family. Even though everyone wants new products and parts for their vehicle, sometimes it cannot always be done and used car parts will have to become a part of their lives. Once they are purchased for the first time, all the benefits from used parts will keep them coming back for more.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous

Taking Care Of The Cars We Love

March 14, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Our cars take care of us, we should do the same for our cars. Many hard-working people build a car so when it rolls off of the assembly line it is balanced in fluids and specifications. As we drive the car, the balance slowly is thrown off by wear and tear. This is why the dealers want you to bring the car in for all the routine maintenance to keep the balance of the car. Getting the oil changed is just the beginning of caring for your car. You are smart about everything else, be smart of taking care of your car.

Smart Car Maintenance

The engine in the car is one of the most expensive parts to fix. By taking excellent care of your engine, you can keep your car running to over 200,000 miles. There are no guarantees, but history shows that when a person takes care of their car, their car lasts. The first thing you always want to do is change your oil and oil filter every 5000 miles, or 3000 miles, depending on who you talk to. Keeping necessary parts lubricated is also important. You can find out about the perfect oil for your car at CITGO Lubricants. There are some parts on your car you can replace yourself and others need to be done by a mechanic. Spark plugs, windshield wipers, air filters, and tires are items that need to be checked and replaced when needed.

Keep Meticulous Records

Start right now with good record keeping for your car even if you haven’t kept a record in the past. There is no time like the present. You can make columns to record what you had done to the car, how much it cost, and most important when you had the maintenance done. If you have a new car, your owners manual usually helps with this. It is not enough to rely on the dealer to give you receipts. You should keep a detailed record yourself. It is really useful. This way if you can get something completed for less money than the dealer, you can have a record of it. A ledger helps you have a handle on your own car.

More Smart Car Maintenance

Keeping your car clean inside and out is always smart. If you just take a little time every week to have your car ready for the next week, it will make keeping it clean easier. Be careful where you clean your new car as not all car washes are the same. A hand car wash and dry is the best. The heavy machinery can sometimes buff off the wax that protects your car. Follow the instructions in your owners manual. Belts, brake pads, and radiator fluid are more areas that you want to keep up to date on your car.

Doing Things Yourself

There is some maintenance you can do yourself on some cars. The newer cars tend to be more difficult to maintain on your own. You can always check your own tire pressure and keep it balanced. You can fill your own wiper fluid. The more you know your car, the more you may be able to maintain on your own. If you are in doubt, then it is better to have a professional mechanic work on your car. If you can make friends with a mechanic that will not overcharge you or lie to you, it is the best thing. No matter whether you do your maintenance or you get it done, make sure you record everything you do on your car. If you go to sell your car, your maintenance record will help you get a better price because you can prove you have maintained the car.

Being smart about the maintenance of your car creates a feeling of freedom. Knowing that your car is in good proper order really helps in feeling confident in driving your car around. Keeping good maintenance on your car will also most likely lead to the least chance of getting stranded on the side of the road. Start your car maintenance records today.

Filed Under: Car Maintenance

The Most Fuel Efficient Luxury Vehicles 2019

March 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment

The vast majority of car owners have become more environmentally and economically-minded when buying cars over the past few years; this has also extended into the luxury vehicle market, including both cars and SUVs. Because of that, car manufacturers have been putting more and more effort into ensuring that their cars get as much mileage out of a full tank as possible. However, that doesn’t mean that all luxury vehicles are getting the same amount of mileage out of a tank.

On the contrary, there’s quite a spectrum of fuel economies across manufacturers, and even across makes. Because of that, there are quite a few luxury vehicles that stand out as being the most fuel efficient. This means that if you’re in the market for a luxury vehicle but its fuel economy matters, then there are certain vehicles to look out for.

Lexus RX 350

The 2018 Lexus RX range was one of the biggest sellers in Lexus’ range, and it’s no surprise why. On top of being one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market, the Lexus RX range offers a whole load of different features that radiate luxury. In terms of its fuel efficiency, a four-wheel-drive version of the Lexus RX 350 will get you an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. However, a two-wheel-drive Lexus RX 350 will get you about 1 mpg less than its counterpart. With that, it’s one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the market, not just SUVs. Many Lexus dealers in Alabama will tell you as much.

BMW X5 xDrive40e

BMW has a variety of powertrain options for its X5 range, although it’s the hybrid xDrive40e that ends up getting the best mile per gallon. As it’s a plug-in hybrid, it’s able to get that much further with each gallon; as a result, the EPS estimates that it gets 56mpge combined fuel economy. In terms of a high-end luxury SUV, there’s almost nothing that rivals it. In terms of out-and-out luxury, the BMW X5 comes equipped with the likes of 14-way power-adjustable front seats and synthetic leather upholstery as standard.

Lexus ES

Lexus has a history of making sure that their cars get as much mileage as possible out of the tank, regardless of whether it’s a luxury car or SUV. However, the 2019 Lexus ES range proved to be exceptional, even for their standards. In the EPA’s recent report, it gives mileage estimates of 43 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 44 mpg (5.47 l/100 km) combined for the 2019 Lexus ES 300h. This made it the most fuel-efficient luxury car not to have a plug. The range doesn’t compromise on luxury either and includes all the features that enthusiasts have come to expect from a Lexus.

BMW i3

The 2019 BMW i3 was named one of the better electric cars to be released on the market this year. This is because it outperformed many of its fully-electric competitors when it comes to fuel economy. EPA estimates suggest the BMW i3 can get 81 miles on a single charge while returning a combined city and highway 124 miles per gallon equivalent. It should be noted, however, that these tests were done without the use of BMW’s range extender, which has been noted to significantly improve gas mileage. This is a gasoline engine designed to give the model a little bit more of a kick in its mileage. Because of that, it could be speculated that the BMW i3 could have a lot better of a fuel economy than the EPA ruling may suggest.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla has always designed their cars to be as environmentally friendly as possible; this also meant giving their models as much mileage per charge as possible. Because of that, the Tesla Model 3 boasts a combined city/hwy of 130mpge. On the highway, these means 123mpge while it gets an estimated 136mpge in the city. Tesla has also been improving the luxury of their cars over the past few years, with several of their most recent models breaking into the luxury car market. As such, the Tesla Model 3 earns itself a place as the most fuel economic luxury vehicle currently on the market.

However, car manufacturers are constantly looking to improve their cars’ fuel economy, so these should improve on a yearly basis. After all, the only way forward is to make them as fuel efficient as possible.

Filed Under: Fuel Efficient Vehicles

3 Tips For Starting Your Diecast Car Collection

August 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

As you undertake efforts to reduce your expenses at the gas pump, it’s only natural that you will find other ways to invest that money. For many auto enthusiasts, this extra cash goes directly toward building their diecast car collection. But what if you’re new to collecting and unsure how to begin? The following tips will get you started on the right track.

1.    Determine Your Collecting Preferences

Many new collectors find it best when they narrow the scope of the type of models they wish to collect. Maybe you want to exclusively collect diecast cars of your favorite brand. Or perhaps you prefer to collect models that evoke a particular time period, such as the 1930s or 1970s.

Limiting your collection to a particular size can also be helpful as you get started. Some of the most popular scales are 1:12 (which are large, extremely detailed models) and the much smaller 1:87 (which is used with H0 model trains).

2.    Know Your Maintenance Needs

Diecast models don’t require too much maintenance, but if you want them to stand the test of time, there are still a few things you need to do. Start by ensuring that your models are stored in a dry area that is kept at room temperature. This will prevent potential environmental damage caused by moisture or extreme temperatures.

In addition to proper storage, you should take the time to dust your models regularly. This helps prevent gradual damage to the paint. Of course, it also helps to keep your models out of reach of children. Far too many collectors have seen their prized possessions damaged by a child who thought they were toys.

3.    Display

There’s not much point in collecting diecast models if you’re going to keep them in a box in the attic. To truly enjoy your collection, you need to find the right place to display it. Prefabricated display cases can provide much-needed protection to your cars. Such cases should be placed in a well-lit area that helps your collection stand out.

Of course, not every collector wants to keep their models behind a glass case. Many incorporate their cars as part of a model train set, creating a unique and fully customizable display method.

Conclusion

While these principles are good for beginners, what is ultimately most important is that you find personal enjoyment and satisfaction in building your collection. Whether you limit your collection to just a few cars or eventually purchase hundreds of models, these long-lasting collectibles will be sure to provide lasting enjoyment for years to come.

Filed Under: Creative Ideas
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