Posts Tagged Fuel
5 Tire Maintenance Tips
Posted on October 6, 2011 | Auto News, Auto Reviews.
Tires are an expensive part of your vehicle and are ones that need to be replaced due to wear. The more you drive the closer you get to having to replace them but there are some things you can do to ensure your tire last longer and don’t have to be replaced as frequently. This can save you money and time and will also ensure your tires remain safe to drive. Here are some tips to keep your tires on the road longer:
1. Keep them properly inflated: Tires that are improperly inflated can wear quicker and reduce your fuel efficiency not to mention become road hazards in extreme cases. Your vehicle will suggest one tire pressure to follow and the tires themselves will suggest another. Not sure who to trust? Stick with what your vehicle manufacturer says on the door of your car which is typically where the information is shown.
2. Change tires at the right time each season: Change your all seasons to winter tires once the temperature drops to 7 degrees celsius in the late fall. Changing them over sooner means you’ll be prematurely wearing the rubber with the warmer weather. Change them back to all seasons once the snow has gone and temperatures are going above 7 degrees because again, you’ll be prematurely wearing them out by keeping them on too long into the spring.
3. Rotate them on time: Your vehicle manufacturer will refer to the proper rotation schedule in the owner’s manual. Rotating them helps to ensure that they wear evenly and can help to increase their lifespan. Your owner’s manual will also recommend the proper rotation pattern so be sure that your tires get properly rotated as just switching them randomly doesn’t help.
4. Replace tires when needed: Your garage will help to inspect your tires and let you know when they need to be replaced. You can also inspect your tires for cracks, abnormal wear and other problems that you might need to get checked out by a trusted mechanic. Many brands of tires also come with wear warnings on them that actually tell you when the rubber has worn down to the point of needing to be replaced.
5. Stick with the same brand and model: Mixing and matching tire manufacturers and brands on a vehicle isn’t a great idea. Use the same brand and model of tire ensures that your vehicle is riding with a consistent tire tread and pattern which is the ideal situation. If you have to replace one tire, try to get the same brand and model.
The All New 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
Posted on June 20, 2011 | Auto News, Auto Reviews.
The new 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid brings an exciting new vehicle to the Honda lineup. It includes the latest version of the Honda Integrated Motor Assist hybrid drive train. In addition, it has the best EPA-estimated fuel economy of any sedan in the United States. Its fuel economy is 44 mpg* city, highway, and combined.
The 2012 model has received a face lift with sleeker styling including the front grill, headlights, taillights, wheels, and side mirrors. The Civic Hybrid is in either cloth or leather seats and can also be equipped with a navigation system.
For the 2012 model, the Honda Civic Hybrid uses a 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine which incorporates friction-reducing technologies for greater efficiency. It has a lighter, more powerful electric motor that produces up to 23 horsepower and a combined horsepower of 110. When the driver accelerates, either the engine or the electric engine and the motor propel the car. While cruising, either engine can propel the vehicle. The gasoline engine deactivates when the driver brakes and the electric motor acts as a generator to restore power to the battery pack. When the brake pedal is released, the engine starts up again.
The Civic Hybrid has a high-class interior with many different standard and optional features. The interior has the most frequently referenced information close to the driver’s line of sight. The new Intelligent Multi-Information Display is in the upper tier and has the ability to show audio system information such as album artwork or personal wallpaper backgrounds. It also includes an Eco Guide screen that gives the driver feedback on driving style and how it affects fuel efficiency. The blue/green Eco Assist indicators are located to the side of the speedometer and help increase the driver’s awareness of ways to drive more efficiently. The Civic Hybrid comes standard with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers. When equipped with the navigation system, it also includes XM Radio. The navigation system is Honda’s own satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition and includes a 6.5-inch touch screen. The system includes a 16 GB flash memory database for a faster response time and has FM traffic. Bluetooth HandsFreeLink is also offered with the Civic Hybrid, allowing drivers to make and receive phone calls. It also supports audio streaming with compatible devices.
The Civic Hybrid is not only convenient and fun to drive, it is also safe. It includes many safety features such as Brake Assist, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution, Motion Adaptive EPS system, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags.