In recent years it has been the Japanese and Korean car manufacturers that have cornered the reliability stakes of motor vehicle manufacturing and they continue to do so without any real competition from their European counterparts. In fact, not one motor vehicle hailing from the occident has made it onto the elite list of the top 10 most reliable cars on the road.
Right up until twenty years ago, motor vehicles may have been sexy and sassy but they weren’t necessarily built with the long haul in view. Manufacturers concentrated more on sleek lines and aerodynamics rather than on steadfast reliability.
But all this changed in the 1980’s with the introduction of extended vehicle warranties. For the first time, manufacturers were held responsible for teething problems and other manufacturing faults and from then on in it wasn’t so much the good looks and charisma that sold the end product but the reliability factor that eclipsed all others in importance.
Increasingly more time and technology have been earmarked to improve safety features and the knowledge that the manufacturers would have to bear the cost of repair themselves has motivated a system greatly beneficial to the motorist.
The Europeans haven’t been knocked off their lofty pedestal completely; they are still the sector leaders in motor vehicle technology and remain the prime innovators of the industry. However, if you have any intention of buying a new car, or even a used car in Cape Town, we would advise you to have a good look at the list of the safest and most reliable cars on the road today.
Below are the top 10 most reliable cars on the road according to the warranty claims against each:
1. Honda Accord - what it lacks in style and pure sex appeal it gains in resolute reliability! Only 9.9% of Hondas needed to be repaired over a two year period and with a marketing message “Isn’t it nice when things just work?”, it seems more than apt that the Japanese-produced Honda claims the respected and important title of ‘most reliable’.
2. Subaru Forester - Japan can add the silver to the gold in the reliability Olympics as this car clocks in at second place. Not the best looking of motor vehicles, it is tough and tenacious, especially on difficult and rugged off-roads. With a spacious interior and dependable handling, it is a popular choice - but keep an eye on the consumption as it does have a reputation of being a bit of a gas guzzler.
3. Mazda MX5 - Well, well, well, the Japanese are clearly dominating these games and walk away with yet another winning model. This time it is from the Mazda stable, considered one of the top most trustworthy manufacturers. This elegant and sporty car has re-invented dependability and is today considered the most reliable convertible ever produced.
4. Mitsubishi Carisma - this makes it four in a row for Japan and although car fundis won’t go to the ends of the earth for this somewhat dull offering, it is still a great investment for the family man.
5. Toyota Yaris - yet another spectacular Japanese innovation, is right up there with the safest of vehicles on the roads. It recently claimed the highest crash test rating and its rather unsightly bonnet conceals a unique Minimal Intrusion Cabin System, which disperses energy from impact through the body.
6. Honda Civic - The powerful Honda stable has two in the top ten with the Civic model. The most popular of the Honda range, the Civic boasts a sizeable interior, making it the ideal family car.
The remaining manufacturers that have made it onto the top ten are Nissan, Hyundai and Lexus, so if you are considering replacing your set of wheels with a new or used car, forget the graceful lines and outsized engines and opt for safety instead by going east, young man.
By: Amelia Stenson
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
www.reeds.co.za
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Hybrid Cars, The Prototype Of Modern Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off of its first hybrid car for passenger, the S400 Blue HYBRID. Based on the S350, this mild hybrid auto pairs an electric motor/generator and the first lithium-ion battery in a production car with a specially tuned version of the company's 3.5L V6 driving the wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Lithium-ion batteries are ideally suited for use in hybrid vehicles to help reducing fuel consumption and thus also CO2 emissions. At the same time, the Daimler engineers are investigating to what degree this technology can be applied to other vehicle concepts, such as electric and fuel cell-powered cars.
Current hybrid vehicles use nickel-metal hydride batteries, but the lithium-ion alternatives are known to offer greater efficiency, as well as a better overall weight-to-power ratio. The problem with integrating the Li-ion technology was in securing their stability—they became far too hot to be a viable option in a hybrid vehicle. Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz has 25 patents it is confident solves the dilemma of battery overheating, whether they stay on target for 2009 is another matter, but we certainly wouldn't doubt them.
The assist from the electric motor gives the S400 an agile feel and more immediate throttle response, although it doesn't feel as strong as our V-8-powered base S-class, the 382-hp S550. The kick from the electric motor is limited to only about 15 seconds because of the relatively small lithium-ion battery pack, and the electric motor only works up to 4000 rpm. But the boost is useful for low-speed acceleration and even in passing maneuvers. In all other driving situations, the S400 feels pretty much like a conventional S350.
Although the electric motor cannot power the S400 by itself, it does allow the gasoline engine to shut off when slowing to speeds below 9 mph, when coming to a stop, and when idling. When stopped, and with the gasoline engine asleep, the lithium-ion battery powers the accessories such as air conditioning as well as the electro-hydraulic steering. When the driver lifts his foot off the brake pedal, the gasoline engine whirs quickly to life without any hesitation or odd vibrations.
Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development says: "What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry. That is a tribute to our intensive research efforts, which we have been conducting in this area since 1992."
With the new S-Class, Daimler has become the first European automobile manufacturer to launch a vehicle with a hybrid engine and the innovative lithium-ion battery. The S 400 Blue HYBRID consumes only 7.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km in the NEDC. This results in very low CO2 emissions of only 190 grams per kilometer, a very low value for this vehicle class and power class, making the S 400 Blue HYBRID the world's most economical luxury sedan
What’s more important to consumers is that the battery pack is installed in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery. This means that the interior space and boot capacity of the S400 remain unchanged. Additionally, thanks to its compact dimensions and modular design, the additional weight of the overall hybrid system including the comprehensive safety systems is only 75 kg or 165 lbs.
By: ghostevyta
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
For more information about hybrid autos, you can visit CarHybrid.com. There you can find the hybrid news and hybrid review of the best hybrid cars and hybrid vehicles in the world.
Lithium-ion batteries are ideally suited for use in hybrid vehicles to help reducing fuel consumption and thus also CO2 emissions. At the same time, the Daimler engineers are investigating to what degree this technology can be applied to other vehicle concepts, such as electric and fuel cell-powered cars.
Current hybrid vehicles use nickel-metal hydride batteries, but the lithium-ion alternatives are known to offer greater efficiency, as well as a better overall weight-to-power ratio. The problem with integrating the Li-ion technology was in securing their stability—they became far too hot to be a viable option in a hybrid vehicle. Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz has 25 patents it is confident solves the dilemma of battery overheating, whether they stay on target for 2009 is another matter, but we certainly wouldn't doubt them.
The assist from the electric motor gives the S400 an agile feel and more immediate throttle response, although it doesn't feel as strong as our V-8-powered base S-class, the 382-hp S550. The kick from the electric motor is limited to only about 15 seconds because of the relatively small lithium-ion battery pack, and the electric motor only works up to 4000 rpm. But the boost is useful for low-speed acceleration and even in passing maneuvers. In all other driving situations, the S400 feels pretty much like a conventional S350.
Although the electric motor cannot power the S400 by itself, it does allow the gasoline engine to shut off when slowing to speeds below 9 mph, when coming to a stop, and when idling. When stopped, and with the gasoline engine asleep, the lithium-ion battery powers the accessories such as air conditioning as well as the electro-hydraulic steering. When the driver lifts his foot off the brake pedal, the gasoline engine whirs quickly to life without any hesitation or odd vibrations.
Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development says: "What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry. That is a tribute to our intensive research efforts, which we have been conducting in this area since 1992."
With the new S-Class, Daimler has become the first European automobile manufacturer to launch a vehicle with a hybrid engine and the innovative lithium-ion battery. The S 400 Blue HYBRID consumes only 7.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km in the NEDC. This results in very low CO2 emissions of only 190 grams per kilometer, a very low value for this vehicle class and power class, making the S 400 Blue HYBRID the world's most economical luxury sedan
What’s more important to consumers is that the battery pack is installed in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery. This means that the interior space and boot capacity of the S400 remain unchanged. Additionally, thanks to its compact dimensions and modular design, the additional weight of the overall hybrid system including the comprehensive safety systems is only 75 kg or 165 lbs.
By: ghostevyta
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
For more information about hybrid autos, you can visit CarHybrid.com. There you can find the hybrid news and hybrid review of the best hybrid cars and hybrid vehicles in the world.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Body Kits Make The Cars Look Cool
Body Kits Make The Cars Look Cool
After you have acquired a car you can consider car after market products. Body kits are a great option amongst car aftermarket products.
A lot of mature thinking is required while installing these body kits. Imagine an author writing a book. Both the author and publisher are satisfied with the work. Now imagine yourself as a buyer of the book.
In a book shop you would see a row of books lined in the shelves. You do not know their contents. Those may be award winning books, but what you initially see are their covers and wrappers. If these are attractive and beautiful and grab your attention you will go for the book. The publisher therefore tries to make the covers and wrappers attractive. The same applies to a car.
You carefully select a car by evaluating its pick up, its speed, its mileage, and its safety features. You may be satisfied by its performance but others evaluate it initially by its looks. Their evaluation is not restricted to only your car. They judge your personality and tastes by the looks of your car. Whatever may be your profession or vocation you can not afford to be misjudged due to being casual in selecting body kits. Ilovebodykits.com will play a useful role in helping you in selecting proper body kits.
No doubt, proper body kits do considerably enhance the looks of a car, but these are not mere objects of adornment. They have their specified functions. For example the front and rear bumpers have to be sturdy. The importance of carefully choosing body kits cannot be understated.
Proper selection of car and body kits is not the end of your work. The selected body kits have to be properly installed. A professional who is an expert in his job has to be engaged for this job.
You can go to Ilovebodykits.com for information on a wide range of body kits. Your car will not only give you satisfaction by its performance, but also bring admiration from those who see your car. They will not see only your car but your personality as projected by the body kit.
By: Louie Liu
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Louie Liu has been in the car aftermarket products industry for 5years. He has specialized in body kits, headlights, cold air intakes and other aftermarket products. He has deep knowledge of a wide range of products including knowledge of benefits of body kits and other products, product options and how to choose a car aftermarket product. You can learn about a wide range of body kits and other car aftermarket products at his site www.ilovebodykits.com.
After you have acquired a car you can consider car after market products. Body kits are a great option amongst car aftermarket products.
A lot of mature thinking is required while installing these body kits. Imagine an author writing a book. Both the author and publisher are satisfied with the work. Now imagine yourself as a buyer of the book.
In a book shop you would see a row of books lined in the shelves. You do not know their contents. Those may be award winning books, but what you initially see are their covers and wrappers. If these are attractive and beautiful and grab your attention you will go for the book. The publisher therefore tries to make the covers and wrappers attractive. The same applies to a car.
You carefully select a car by evaluating its pick up, its speed, its mileage, and its safety features. You may be satisfied by its performance but others evaluate it initially by its looks. Their evaluation is not restricted to only your car. They judge your personality and tastes by the looks of your car. Whatever may be your profession or vocation you can not afford to be misjudged due to being casual in selecting body kits. Ilovebodykits.com will play a useful role in helping you in selecting proper body kits.
No doubt, proper body kits do considerably enhance the looks of a car, but these are not mere objects of adornment. They have their specified functions. For example the front and rear bumpers have to be sturdy. The importance of carefully choosing body kits cannot be understated.
Proper selection of car and body kits is not the end of your work. The selected body kits have to be properly installed. A professional who is an expert in his job has to be engaged for this job.
You can go to Ilovebodykits.com for information on a wide range of body kits. Your car will not only give you satisfaction by its performance, but also bring admiration from those who see your car. They will not see only your car but your personality as projected by the body kit.
By: Louie Liu
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Louie Liu has been in the car aftermarket products industry for 5years. He has specialized in body kits, headlights, cold air intakes and other aftermarket products. He has deep knowledge of a wide range of products including knowledge of benefits of body kits and other products, product options and how to choose a car aftermarket product. You can learn about a wide range of body kits and other car aftermarket products at his site www.ilovebodykits.com.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Are You Looking To Buy A Car?
We are gradually sliding down the long, slippery slope to economic depression, and it`s a global financial phenomenon that is going to affect everyone in one way or another, and the motor industry is no different. Even the biggest manufacturers aren`t safe from the credit crunch that`s turned into a credit lunch, with VW recently having been bought by Porsche and the depreciation of most used vehicles becoming steeper regardless of brand or pedigree. However, as a result this is arguably one of the best times to buy a car, used or new, as retailers, dealerships, superstores and manufacturers are looking to offload their stocks to nearly anyone with a few quid left in their pockets because the financial crisis has reduced car sales drastically in what is a sales driven industry. Deals on new cars with massive price reductions and relatively good financing options are quite easy to find, and if you`re in the market for a used vehicle you`ll be able to get a good spec, nearly new model for the fraction of the price that it was originally sold at.
Buying Tips
The most important thing to check when buying a car, especially a used one, is the car log book and the service history to check that the cars operating life can be accounted for and any damage repairs or accidents that occurred are made apparent to you before you make your purchase. Going to a reputable dealer of approved used cars is the best way to ensure this, as they will have thorough testing schemes and only sell the best examples of the cars that they see. In the current financial climate you might also want to consider the fuel efficiency of your new car, and the tax implications of its engine size, all of which will affect the cost of motoring. Using the internet to check stats and details prior to heading to the dealer is the best way to arm yourself against salesmen`s tactics. When it comes to buying or selling a good place to start is one of the many online classified ads websites, as these tend to be either free or cheap and offer a good selection of different cars.
Financing Options
There are so many ways of financing your purchase of a car that you should stop and consider your options and avoid committing to the first package you`re offered. Most dealerships will try and bundle their own financing into the deal, but this may not be suitable and prove more costly over time than a bank loan or finance from a 3rd party group. Some insurance companies offer dual packages that include financing for your vehicle in the policy, and most large banks offer current and new customers great deals, especially in the current climate in which the motor industry is desperate for cash flow and new customers to avoid stagnation.
Insurance Suggestions
Insuring your car can still be a bit of a hassle, especially if you`re buying a new car and have invested a lot of money in your purchase which you want to be secured in the result of an accident or theft of your car that requires a claim to provide a replacement of equal value and age. The best way to search for cheap car insurance is to use one of the many price comparison websites available on the internet. These work by taking details about yourself and your car and then sending them off to many big name insurance companies and brokers at once and returning with quotes and offers in a matter of seconds. You can tailor the kind of package you need, whether fully comprehensive or third party only, as well as searching through specialist insurance companies if your vehicle is an imported, classic or performance model. Additionally in these financially uncertain times you might consider car gap insurance if your vehicle is new or expensive. This kind of insurance will usually cover your car up to the original amount that you paid for it, not just up to the market value of the car when the claim was made. With rapidly increasing depreciation and the difficulty of resale this kind of insurance is easy to recommend to anyone.
By: PoundAd
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
PoundAd Classified Ads - www.poundad.co.uk
Buying Tips
The most important thing to check when buying a car, especially a used one, is the car log book and the service history to check that the cars operating life can be accounted for and any damage repairs or accidents that occurred are made apparent to you before you make your purchase. Going to a reputable dealer of approved used cars is the best way to ensure this, as they will have thorough testing schemes and only sell the best examples of the cars that they see. In the current financial climate you might also want to consider the fuel efficiency of your new car, and the tax implications of its engine size, all of which will affect the cost of motoring. Using the internet to check stats and details prior to heading to the dealer is the best way to arm yourself against salesmen`s tactics. When it comes to buying or selling a good place to start is one of the many online classified ads websites, as these tend to be either free or cheap and offer a good selection of different cars.
Financing Options
There are so many ways of financing your purchase of a car that you should stop and consider your options and avoid committing to the first package you`re offered. Most dealerships will try and bundle their own financing into the deal, but this may not be suitable and prove more costly over time than a bank loan or finance from a 3rd party group. Some insurance companies offer dual packages that include financing for your vehicle in the policy, and most large banks offer current and new customers great deals, especially in the current climate in which the motor industry is desperate for cash flow and new customers to avoid stagnation.
Insurance Suggestions
Insuring your car can still be a bit of a hassle, especially if you`re buying a new car and have invested a lot of money in your purchase which you want to be secured in the result of an accident or theft of your car that requires a claim to provide a replacement of equal value and age. The best way to search for cheap car insurance is to use one of the many price comparison websites available on the internet. These work by taking details about yourself and your car and then sending them off to many big name insurance companies and brokers at once and returning with quotes and offers in a matter of seconds. You can tailor the kind of package you need, whether fully comprehensive or third party only, as well as searching through specialist insurance companies if your vehicle is an imported, classic or performance model. Additionally in these financially uncertain times you might consider car gap insurance if your vehicle is new or expensive. This kind of insurance will usually cover your car up to the original amount that you paid for it, not just up to the market value of the car when the claim was made. With rapidly increasing depreciation and the difficulty of resale this kind of insurance is easy to recommend to anyone.
By: PoundAd
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
PoundAd Classified Ads - www.poundad.co.uk
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Handling Of Antique Cars
If you're lucky enough to own an antique car, then you likely experience that there's just no feeling like it. Being capable to fool around in a Corvette or Mustang or any pattern when it was introductory fabricated is a thrill like no other. Sure, today's cars carry their charm and in several ways are even a lot safer than these classics, but many of these antique cars were constructed with a craftsmanship that you can't find today. They are more than just machines; they are real plays of artwork.
On the other hand, to really get the most out of your antique cars it's significant that you study special care of them. Simply same an ancient person has various needs when it falls to "maintenance" than a junior person, ancient cars need a bit more than tender loving concern than one rolling off the lot today.
Your initial doubt might be about the difference between antique cars and classical cars. Visualize that there is really a natural law saying that a car wants to be 25 years former before it can actually be technically named antique. However, the word "classic" is not a practiced terminus and one that is only used to identify any car that numerous souls love. Your brand fresh Mustang may be a classic to many another but obviously cannot be called an antique.
When it arrives to wishing for antique cars think that many of their components are really ancient and slightly worn out; this is something that numerous owners blank out because frequently they take wide pains to restore the consistency and exterior of the car and leave that hoses, belts, pumps, and other mechanical characteristics are in less than major condition. Putting a plenty of wear on antique cars by speeding the engine, jerky braking, and maneuvers like these is just going to add more wear and tear on those parts that are probably already straining as it is. It's strategic then to also make sure the fluids and crude of the car are altered on a regular basis, as these help to sustain those components on the car and observe them in pleasant repair.
Driving carefully is only one part of taking care of antique cars. They should go stored properly, out of harsh weather circumstances that might cause rust, and should as well be sealed as well. The type of paint that was utilized on numerous antique cars cannot suffer up so advisable to rough rain and pollution the way today's paints are designed to.
Think back too that if you are in the habit of taking out any of your antique cars for a driving, you require special policy for them. Some auto insurance companies specialize in this type of coverage and can publish up a policy that is fashioned around how often and how far you typically study the vehicle - many antique cars are used only for troops and exhibitions, whereas some of the ones we may call "muscle cars" are applied on occasional weekends.
By: Ken Eng
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Want to learn more about the world of antiques? Head over to The Value of Antiques and download a free 11 page report on how to profit from the world of antiques. For more great tips and info about antiques, head over to the The Value of Antiques Blog.
On the other hand, to really get the most out of your antique cars it's significant that you study special care of them. Simply same an ancient person has various needs when it falls to "maintenance" than a junior person, ancient cars need a bit more than tender loving concern than one rolling off the lot today.
Your initial doubt might be about the difference between antique cars and classical cars. Visualize that there is really a natural law saying that a car wants to be 25 years former before it can actually be technically named antique. However, the word "classic" is not a practiced terminus and one that is only used to identify any car that numerous souls love. Your brand fresh Mustang may be a classic to many another but obviously cannot be called an antique.
When it arrives to wishing for antique cars think that many of their components are really ancient and slightly worn out; this is something that numerous owners blank out because frequently they take wide pains to restore the consistency and exterior of the car and leave that hoses, belts, pumps, and other mechanical characteristics are in less than major condition. Putting a plenty of wear on antique cars by speeding the engine, jerky braking, and maneuvers like these is just going to add more wear and tear on those parts that are probably already straining as it is. It's strategic then to also make sure the fluids and crude of the car are altered on a regular basis, as these help to sustain those components on the car and observe them in pleasant repair.
Driving carefully is only one part of taking care of antique cars. They should go stored properly, out of harsh weather circumstances that might cause rust, and should as well be sealed as well. The type of paint that was utilized on numerous antique cars cannot suffer up so advisable to rough rain and pollution the way today's paints are designed to.
Think back too that if you are in the habit of taking out any of your antique cars for a driving, you require special policy for them. Some auto insurance companies specialize in this type of coverage and can publish up a policy that is fashioned around how often and how far you typically study the vehicle - many antique cars are used only for troops and exhibitions, whereas some of the ones we may call "muscle cars" are applied on occasional weekends.
By: Ken Eng
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Want to learn more about the world of antiques? Head over to The Value of Antiques and download a free 11 page report on how to profit from the world of antiques. For more great tips and info about antiques, head over to the The Value of Antiques Blog.
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