Is Your Motor Running Hot Auto Blog!

Yes there is a concept car, called the Volt, that was revealed by General Motors earlier this year. It is a electric plug-in vehicle using a system called E-Flex with individualized lithium-ion cells in a battery pack. The batteries can be recharged using a regular outlet which can charge the system in six hours.

There is also an electric generator for powering a small gas engine which will recharge the batteries pack and also provide a boost on the freeway.

As for the flex part the gas engine can use up to 85% ethanol and also is flexible in that it can be a used with a diesel engine for powered by hydrogen fuel cell rather than a gas engine.

City driving would be using electricity up to 40 miles so there would be no gas used at that level. At the 60 miles the rating would be 150 MPG dropping to 100 MPG at 80 miles . Without recharging at that point the rating drops down to 50 MPG which is still quite good. It is estimated twelve gallons of fuel will get you a distance of 640 miles.

At this point it is still a concept car and of course the battery is the main concern cost wise, safety and the length of time it will last. It appears that GM has committed to the process and this certainly will go a long way to alleviate our reliance on fossil fuels.

So here is wishing them light-speed to finish this race to complete this project successfully. They are shooting for 2010.

Gene E-Racer

For some thoughts on headlights, visibility and safety see the following article:

Repairing Headlights for Maximum Visibility and Safety

As mentioned previously there is a significant difference in the price of vehicles purchased in the U.S. compared to Canada. Now someone is taking legal action. A Toronto based law firm, Juroviesky and Ricci LLP, has initiated a class action suit against automobile manufacturers in Canada.

In the lawsuit it is stated that the price differences between 25 and 35% higher in Canada than it is for U.S. car buyers. This is in line with previous reports that I have seen mainly from consumers providing their personal experiences.

The auto companies mentioned are Chrysler , General Motors, Honda, Nissan and they plan to add Ford and Toyota to the list. This covers both leased and purchased vehicles between 2005 and 2007.

One consumer reported that is very easy to check the price differences by using the Internet to compare them.

Going into the fall things are heating up in Canada.

Happy motoring to you.

Gene E-Racer

If those prices seem out of whack you can always find some parts and fix up that Chevy! See the article below:

“Simple, Fast and Affordable Ways to Enhance Your Chevy Available at Your Friendliest Auto Parts Dealer“

Ok you may ask, “What is this story doing in an automotive blog?” Who knew and who knows! Maybe the “retiree” (later) is an car buff. Maybe he ran a car wash or used a car wash once.

ok, back to or on to the story.

• What is hiding in this barn?

I received an email today (thanks Tom!) that had a story about how someone had bought a piece of property in Portugal which had not been touched in 15 years. The owners died, had no relatives to inherit the property which resulted in the property being sold for taxes owing. Well you know that story, even after you “go” north, south, or left, they still tax you.

There was an old barn that had steel doors, had been barricaded up and no one bothered to check inside. Until the New York “retiree” comes along, purchases the property and in a “hey duh” mode, decides to have a look inside before tearing the barn down.

• The tale of the Barn continues.

Then I was told to go check the link Here. I did just that, looked at the pictures from that site and followed them through to the end. Very nice story. At the end there is a bit of a different version about the story and what really happened etc.

Perhaps this is an example of an embellished tale of the automotive kind. I am sure there have been other embellishments for “boys with their toys” along the way. Some will believe, some won’t.

Interesting tale.

Cheers,

Gene E-Racer

For another barn burning way automotive retirees or anyone can check out those autos, find some parts, repair them or whatever the case may be, see the online auto repair article listed below:

Online Auto Repair

Just a short update on how Jacques Villeneuve did in his debut on 9/22/07. He actually hit a driver, Brian Scott, from behind and ended up taking a pit stop for repairs. He dropped from 16th to 21st place and ended the race 1 lap behind the leaders.

He is still on the learning curve with these vehicles. On Oct. 6th Villeneuve will participate in the Talladega Superspeedway truck race.

Gene E-Racer

Speaking of trucks, here is an article to check out on:

Finding the truck accessories distributor

Looking forward we can often benefit by what has happened in the past. This is especially true when considering the prospects for the car of the future. For example the electric car has a history dating back to the late eighteen hundreds, a history which had progressed quite far along the automotive path. More on this to follow a bit later.

Now there is something coming out of the back end of the automobile that can leave a peculiar odor in the air. There is one person who runs his car on french fry oil. Robert Tomey owns four McDonald’s restaurants and has converted a number of vehicles to run on the left over french fry oil. In the process he has reduced his fuel cost to virtually zero. Still I am not sure I’d want to smell that coming out of the back end of an auto, or anything else. For sure it is a unique way to propel the automobile.

Stepping backwards now to the development of the electric car, it has had quite an amazing history and the vehicles we are driving today could have been further advanced had the development not been switched from electric to gas powered vehicles.

The following article is a revisit to the past and an indication of what might have been and a glimpse of what is to be:

What Will the Cars Of The Future Look Like? 1

It is quite amazing really.

Gene E-Racer

One big reason Canadians are heading south across the border is to take advantage of their new found prosperity. The Canadian dollar hit a 31 year high, not since 1976 has the Canadian dollar been on par with the US dollar. Many who live near the border are driving across to buy cheaper vehicles and goods.

One person reported that on a $25000 vehicle you can save as much as $4000 to $5000 off the price the same vehicle would cost in Canada. With taxes and duty it is still cheaper. This applies to many other items also. It takes a long time for the prices to be adjusted and many Canadians are feeling that they are getting ripped off.

So expect more Canucks to take that trip and drive across to save money on cars and merchandise.

On my way!

Gene E-Racer

If you are traveling south to the USA you may want to check out the repair costs to see if those can be had cheaper also, see the following for finding parts for auto repairs:

Finding Auto Parts for Car Repairing

Not dangerous, what? Well certainly they are not dangerous if they are silent and you are not using them in your car, of course. Otherwise there is a great debate about just how dangerous it is for using a cell phone in a car. Many statistics and studies point to them being a danger.

There is not doubt having a cell phone on hand for emergencies is a good thing.

Using cell phones in cars in certain states and countries is against the law and you can be fined for doing so.

On Sept. 13, 2007 California’s Arnold Schwarzenegger signs legislation to ban the use of all cell phones and other digital devices by teenagers . In 2006 Schwarzenegger also signed legislation to require all drivers to use hands free devices when driving. The new law is to take effect July 1, 2008.

Statistics have shown that fatal accidents involving younger drivers is twice as high for the under 21 crowd, as reported by NHTSA. Still it is not just the young drivers who are distracted by the devices.

One major distraction is dialing, another is listening intently and becoming so absorbed that everything around you is obliterated. It is quite obvious when observing someone in a vehicle while they are engrossed in conversation. Imagine trying to text message while driving and what that does to your level of awareness. Taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can be fatal.

Yes, cell phones have their place and are great when used sensibly. As for the dangers, there have been many studies done and reports made to back these claims.

Well I have to pull over now and make a phone call. Now where is that cell anyway?

Until later,

Gene E-Racer

Perhaps your Corvette needs some parts, if so, “call” this up below:

Chevrolet Corvette 2006: Get Superior Chevrolet Auto Parts from Partstrain

Some sent me a link to a video tonight and it was quite profound. It is not quite the automotive kind but it got me thinking a bit and lead to checking a few other videos out.

Having talked about safety and some ways to keep us safe, the video reminds me of this and also the original song goes back a long time. Still it has an impact, even today, on a number of levels. Yes, there is deep sadness yet touches a spiritual part of me also.

So the Last Kiss is kind of appropriate somehow I reckon.

Trying to bring the old car back to life? Check this out!

Auto Detailing: Making Your Old Car New Again

When discussing the savings in fuel costs I neglected to mention the switch by NASCAR to unleaded fuel, using Sunoco 260 GTX(tm) fuel. Since the early 1970’s leaded gas has been phased out for commercial use. Besides auto racing, farm, marine and aircraft equipment have had exemptions.

Lead is very hazardous to your health causing many problems and even death. Well after that I suppose the problems end for this life time anyway. Lead was first mined in what is known as Turkey, and has been known as a health hazard since 2000 BC. Is there any wonder why “they” say history repeats itself and when will “we” ever learn.

And how about all those recent recalls for Chinese goods with lead in them being imported so it seems to be coming over anyway. Until they caught it, that is.

So going green, so to speak, has been a long time coming. The industry must have had a lot of clout to remain outside the requirements for everyone else for such a long time.

I was going to go off on a tangent into something else here but have decided not to for now. Well I likely have done that already. Ah patience, don’t let me down now.

I suggest not to go chewing on any lead pencils or wooden window sills that were painted with paint containing lead.

So now we just have the aircraft, marine and farm environments to clean up. The automotive sector seems to be racing on the right “go green”track.

Just easing out of here for now.

Gene E-Racer

Speaking of paint, what else could go wrong? Since I prefer things not to go wrong here is another article on just that!

Repairing the Paint Job on Your Own Car: What can go wrong?

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Your car is your friend and you can return the favor by observing some safety precautions during periods of rain or the rainy season.

Here are a few tips for safe driving in the rain:

• For visibility purposes it is important that your wiper blades be in good condition. Therefore have them checked and replaced as necessary. Of course the wiper blades will not do you much good if you do not turne them on!
• Also for visibility consideration, drive with the lights on. This is a good idea most of the time anyway. Many new cars are equipped with daytime running headlights. It is much easier to see oncoming traffic if the lights are on, even in the daytime.
• There are products, rain repellents, that you can purchase to put on the windshield that keeps the rain off.
  
• Reduce your speed and drive according to the conditions of the road at all times.
  
• Use high quality tires or special “rain” tires.
• Make sure all the equipment on your vehicle, such as brake lights, headlights, taillights, turning signal lights etc.,are all in proper working condition.
  
• Keep a safe distance between vehicles and a watchful eye well ahead of you. You want to avoid sliding into someone or something if you have to apply the brakes quickly. Naturally the car will slide further during wet conditions.

It can be a harrowing experience to be caught in a rain downpour especially if your wiper blades are not working properly. Of course of the above-mentioned safe driving tips and precautions are important considerations to keep you and your car safe and sound during the rain and rainy season.

Wishing you a very safe to drive, I am keeping my eye on the road.

Gene E-Racer

Looking for a deal on auto parts question? See the following article:

Where to find the best auto parts at the lowest prices