The Benefits of a Hybrid Vehicle

The Benefits of a Hybrid Vehicle

By Ron Haugen

Hybrid vehicles continue to rise in popularity, with sales numbers slowly rising as individuals look for cars that are considered "green" and environmentally friendly. There are plenty of pros and cons to owning these vehicles as compared to other vehicles on the road. Understanding the full benefits of ownership will help you to decide whether or not this style of vehicle is what you need.

Understanding the Technology

To understand the benefits of ownership, you must understand how the technology works. They use a combination of clean energy and the regular gasoline energy that older vehicles rely on. An electric motor provides some of the energy needed to run the vehicle, combining with the energy of the gas motor to power the vehicle.

Gas Mileage

When there is an electrical power component to the engine, your vehicle needs less fuel to perform the same actions than it would need if there was no electrical power component. Simply put, your vehicle will not use as much gas under normal driving conditions. You will be able to get more miles per gallon because your vehicle is more efficient with fuel use.

Emissions

Electric power is recognized as clean energy, as there are no chemicals and no fumes that are created when the energy is used. They do have some emissions, as the gas that they use for part of their power burns. With that being said, the emissions of the vehicle are lessened, a benefit touted by those who focus on the environment and the damage that car emissions have on our health and on global warming.

Rebates

State governments and the federal government continue to push them as the way of the future. One of the ways that they do so is through the incentive of tax rebates. Individuals will receive money back on the purchase of their vehicle if they purchase one. This allows the hybrid vehicle companies to charge what they would normally charge for the technology while making the car more affordable for those interested in purchasing them. Rebates change by year and by area, so check with car dealers to fully understand the current benefits you may receive.

Safety and Power

Contrary to popular belief, they can be powerful. Because the vehicles do not fully rely on electricity (like electric cars), they still feature the strength and power that current fuel technology brings to the table. As far as safety is concerned, they are just as safe as all other vehicles. They feature the same safety mechanisms found in traditional vehicles. One of the benefits of a hybrid vehicle is the fact that you know your vehicle can still have both power and safety while being green and environmentally friendly.

Hybrid vehicles are the future of vehicle technology, helping to pave the way for vehicles that will run on electricity alone. These vehicles provide owners with higher gas mileage numbers while allowing them to reduce their impact on the environment. The benefits of ownership make the switch to hybrid worth it for many who are in the market for a new vehicle.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen


http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-a-Hybrid-Vehicle&id=6238442

How OnStar Functions

How OnStar Functions

OnStar is a service that comes standard in most new vehicles today. It does require a subscription, but the cost is relatively low when you look at the benefits. Older model cars can be equipped with OnStar, but the functionality may be limited. OnStar is a combination of services, including emergency calling, navigations, road side assistance, surveillance device, as well as vehicle diagnostic service. OnStar is available on all GM products. Many makes will include it as a standard feature, while lower end cars will offer it as an add-on product.

How it Works

OnStar uses a combination of different technologies to provide you with several services. First it relies on standard cell phone technology for communication. This is how the OnStar representatives are able to communicate with you by voice by a press of a button. It also utilizes a large network of satellites to track vehicles. In the event of an accident, a sensor signals to OnStar and your vehicles location is tracked and forwarded to the appropriate authorities. This is beneficial if you are in accident and can’t reach your phone to call for help.
Depending on the services you choose to subscribe to, the technology changes.

Brand new vehicles OnStar systems utilize sensors throughout the vehicle. This allows the OnStar system to track issues, such as maintenance alarms and driven speeds, and report back to you. A lot of police departments are relying more heavily on the technology OnStar provides. In case of an accident the vehicle information can be transmitted to the authorities, including your rate of speed, direction you were travelling, and other information that may be needed. While this is a great service, some people aren’t happy with the idea of ‘big brother’ watching over their every movement. Some features can be disabled or not subscribed to if they make you uncomfortable.


Available Services

OnStar provides several services. The most basic service is the Automatic Crash Response service. With this, emergency vehicles are dispatched automatically if the system senses an airbag has been deployed or an accident has occurred. You can upgrade your subscription to OnStar to include other useful features. Turn by turn navigation is available as an add on, allowing you to get to your destination without using a map. Hands free calling is also available, allowing you to safely make and receive phone calls directly from the OnStar dash system. Stolen vehicle assistance will track the location of your vehicle and report it to your local authorities. Newer cars can also use an ignition block to slow down or stop a stolen vehicle entirely. This needs to be requested by the local authorities, but can help reduce the chances of your vehicle getting in to an accident if the thief tries to flee in the car. Some newer vehicles also offer an onboard vehicle diagnostic center. This will alert you to any issues your vehicle may have, from low fluids to a brake issue.

What You Need to Know About Tire Balancing

What You Need to Know About Tire Balancing

By Ron Haugen

Tire balancing is extremely important to have done to your vehicle on a regular basis. Those that do not get tire balancing done could end up causing serious damage to their vehicle over time. Tire balancing can be done by any ASE certified auto technician. This is not a task that is recommended for you to yourself.

The Purpose

The reason that you should get your tires balanced is to do away with any of the vibrations. This is often caused by a miss match between the wheel and the tire. Many people will assume that this is not something to worry about because they will purchase their wheels and tires new and together. However, this will be something to deal with and think about regardless of whether or not you have gotten new tires or used tires and wheels. You need to think about the weight difference that will cause vibration. The weight difference does not have to be very much at all. The machines that are made today to detect the vibration will be able to do so with just ¼ of an ounce. Over time, no matter how little this weight may be can end up doing a lot of damage over time.

Problem Causing

Think about how your vehicle will usually travel around 60 mph about every time you leave the house. This means that it will have 4 revolutions every single second. Each one of these revolutions will produce a small shake that will be passed on through every single part of your vehicle. If you are dealing with something as small as ¼ of an ounce can really do a lot of damage over time. Driving just one full hour can cause up to 14,000 of these shakes to just one wheel. Now think about if this is an issue with all of your wheels. Think about how many miles you drive a day. Now factor in the rocks, bumps, debris and the holes that you may hit. This will only make it worse. While it may not seem like much at first it is definitely something that can end up doing some pretty big damage to your vehicle.

When To Have it Done

It is common that a person will begin to notice an unbalance in their tires on the front side. This is because the vibrations from the front wheels will go directly into your steering wheel. The vibration from the rear wheels will not be felt in the same way. Because you cannot notice the back tires as easily it is more likely that they have more issues. This means that it is standard to have the tires balanced the same day that they are installed. It does not matter what end of the vehicle they are put on, it needs to be done. It is a good idea to have the tires balanced every few months or every couple thousand miles. It all depends on how often you drive and the conditions of the road.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen


http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Tire-Balancing&id=6211223

Benefits of Tire Chains in Snow

Benefits of Tire Chains in Snow

By Ron Haugen

When people think about a little bit of snow and ice, they think about avoiding driving. They try to avoid the roads for a day or two, until the roads are completely cleared, sanded, salted, and safe. While this may work in some locations, it does not work in others. Cities that see large amounts of snow cannot run and hide from bad road conditions - they need to navigate them on a regular basis to keep safe.

Tire Chains in snow are often some of the best tools for those who need to drive in poor weather conditions. While there are plenty of different reasons to use tire chains in snow, these are some of the major benefits.

Traction In Heavy Snow

Snow tires and tire chains are not meant to be used in lighter amounts of snow, or in conditions with nothing but snow. The tire chains may not provide the same traction that simple all-weather, winter weather tires may provide. Snow tires and tire chains are meant for conditions that are somewhat mixed with ice. They will be able to provide the traction that you cannot get with a normal tire on ice.

Breaking Down Ice

The major benefit of snow tires comes in the form of their power. Tire chains in snow are actually perfect for the ice that may be on the ground. The chains have the power and strength to break through the ice thanks to the weight of the vehicle. This makes ice less slippery and more manageable.

Turns

One of the most difficult parts of winter weather driving is the art of the turn. It can be easy to drive safely in straight lines, but can be difficult to keep traction while getting into and coming out of a turn. Snow tires help to give you the grip that you need to safely get through turns. While you may not be able to take turns as fast as you would like, you will be able to make them safely.

Speed

You do not need snow tires and tire chains to be able to get around on the roads during winter weather. These tools simply make it easier for you to drive around, as it cuts down your driving time. You will be able to drive faster than you would with normal tires, as the chains give you more traction.

Snow tires and tire chains are not right in all conditions, even if the conditions are bad because of winter weather. Understand that tire chains and snow tires are only meant for drastic winter weather conditions. They are meant for locations that are constantly buried in snow, locations that see heavy amounts of snowfall that stick for days or weeks at a time. If you do live in one of these locations and have not yet used tire chains in snow, you may want to consider doing so.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen


http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-of-Tire-Chains-in-Snow&id=6190754

Tips on Satellite Radio

Tips on Satellite Radio

By Ron Haugen

Satellite radio uses different technology than terrestrial radio. Instead of relying on the analog signals transmitted through a ground based antenna, satellite radio uses a network of satellites to transmit data to your stereo. It has advantages, and can be a great solution for some drivers. Here's a quick look at the difference between satellite and terrestrial radio.

Signal Interruption

If you've ever been on a road trip that takes you several hundred miles from home, then you know how frustrating it can be to lose one station and try to pick up another. Some areas just don't have powerful enough antennas to transmit the nearby stations, leaving you with static ridden music, if you can hear the music at all. Terrestrial radio can only work when the signals are strong, so in more rural areas you may not be able to pick up many stations. Satellite radio doesn't have this issue. The signals are transmitted by a satellite and can span across thousands of miles. This means you can listen to the same station from the beginning of your travel all the way through to your destination. You may experience slight fading of the channels if you are in an area that has heavy tree cover, but as soon as you have a clear shot of the sky the station comes back in clearly again.

Station Availability

Another benefit to satellite radio is the sheer number of stations available. With terrestrial radio you are usually limited to a handful of stations that you can pick up in your area. If you enjoy listening to more alternative music you may be stuck with having to listen to CD's or an mp3 player. This isn't a bad thing, it just can get irritating listening to the same music over and over again. Satellite radio reaches millions of subscribers, and they can offer hundreds of stations. Some of the stations may require an upgraded subscription, but you will still have hundreds of stations available. This means you can listen to any type of music you can imagine, or talk radio programs that your local stations may not run.

Associated Costs

Where terrestrial radio is free, satellite radio is not. You will need a receiver that is designed for this. Most newer cars will have stereos that are already equipped with the satellite feature. New car stereos that are purchased aftermarket are also equipped. If your stereo isn't, you can purchase a standalone receiver. You won't need any special tools to install a standalone unit in your car. The standalone receivers start around $40 and go up from there. You also need to purchase a subscription for the service. The subscriptions are relatively cheap depending on the option you choose. In most cases you can get an extended plan for as low as $10 per month. If you want to pay monthly instead you may pay between $15-$20 per month. Many of the stations are funded through advertisers, but many are ad free thanks to the paid subscription.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen


http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-on-Satellite-Radio&id=6190746

Carrie Burk Customer Testimonial Westside Auto Pros March 29th, 2011

http://www.westsideautopros.com Ron Haugen Presents Auto Repair Des Moines and Auto Repair Urbandale Tips With Today's Topic: Carrie Burk Customer Testimonial Westside Auto Pros March 29th, 2011

Amy Leonard customer testimonial Westside Auto Pros March 31st, 2011

http://www.westsideautopros.com Ron Haugen Presents Auto Repair Des Moines and Auto Repair Urbandale Tips With Today's Topic: Amy Leonard customer testimonial Westside Auto Pros March 31st, 2011