Hybrid Technology Develops as the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

Hybrid Technology Develops as the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

by: Jenny McLane

The company that popularizes the hybrid technology is producing the better hybrid vehicles year after year. Although Toyota starts the technology to their Prius in 1997, Honda produces, develops, and uses the technology continuously to their cars. Honda’s first hybrid car, the Honda Insight was released in the United States in 1999. This was soon followed by the Honda Civic which marked the radical change in the hybrid technology and changed the way people’s to a car. Hybrid cars use the combination of technologies such as internal combustion engines (ICEs), electric motors, batteries, hydrogen, and fuel cells. This saves a lot of gas fuel that becomes the preference of car purchaseers.  2005 Honda Accord Hybrid Engine The hybrid technology improves year after year as Honda’s hybrid vehicles become popular. Then, the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid is by far the best Honda hybrid, or hybrid vehicle in the market. A 3.0l V-6 engine of the Accord is the biggest among its class. It is the first hybrid that can match or even surpass other gas-engine vehicles. With 255 horses pushing it, the Accord is the most economical V-6 vehicle. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid drives like the conventional gas-engine powered vehicle. And without the “hybrid” badges on the vehicle, you wouldn’t know the difference. This Accord uses the same automatic transmission like that of the gas-engine instead of the continuously variable transmission (CVT), Toyota and Ford uses to their hybrid. Its so the IMA or the integrated motor assist which always at the gas mode and kick to electric for additional power when needed, unlike Ford and Toyota which uses the electric as long as possible then switch to gas when needed.  2005 Honda Accord VIP Style by vipstylecars.com Fuel economy is not a question for the Honda Accord Hybrid. With 37 mpg fuel consumption on highway and 29 mpg in city, the Accord allows driver to save more money. Accord doesn’t need to be plugged in. It automatically recharge itself during braking and, if necessary, via the gas engine. To save more fuel, both systems automatically shuts off at stoplight and long stops. The only backslash of the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid is its price tag of about $30,000 which is $3,400 more that its gas model. But for a vehicle that saves more fuel the regular vehicle, it is a better purchase in the long run. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid can be seen on www.partstrain.com along with other Honda vehicles. For more information about the vehicle, and to purchase Honda part, visit http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA . About the author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Save Your Planet and Your Wallet : Consider Fuel Efficiency When Purchasing a Car

Consider Fuel Efficiency When purchasing a Car Fuel vs Wallet

by: Fisher Swanson

When you need to purchase your next automobile make sure that fuel economy doesn't get lost in the shuffle. purchaseing a compact car with good gas mileage is both friendly to the environment and your pocket book. You will enjoy the savings throughout the life of the vehicle. There is a lot to consider when purchaseing a car. If you are purchaseing a used car the condition of the clutch, brakes, engine and transmission will play a huge role in how much that car will cost to operate. Even minor problems can result in $300 repairs. With new cars you need to find the make and model that has a proven track record and fits your needs. Make sure that fuel efficiency plays a role in your decision making. If you emerge from the car purchaseing process with a fuel efficient car you will burn up less cash in your tank and have more money to spend on things that matter. Take advantage of what is known. When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the one thing you can easily and accurately predict is how much gas you are going to use. Gas prices may fluctuate but most people can spend a week or two logging their gas consumption and get a good idea of how many gallons they use. If you don't already, track your gas consumption so you can use this information when purchasing a car.  Fuel Efficiency Save the Planet Make it the #1 priority. One way to make sure that fuel efficiency is considered is to start by looking at cars that get good gas mileage. Make it the #1 priority and see where that leads you. The problem with today's car market is car manufacturers know that gas mileage is not a major consideration when purchasing a new vehicle for many U.S. customers. Crunching the numbers. When you are evaluating a car's fuel efficiency, ask yourself how long you think you will be driving the car and determine how much gas will cost. Let's say you want to get a used car for $5,000 and hope to drive it for 5 years. Below are some 5 year gas cost estimates based on driving 15,000 miles per year and purchaseing gas for $1.40 per gallon. If gasoline is more expensive than $1.40, the costs will be even higher. A Sampling of Used Cars: 1994 Ford Explorer SUV (2WD) 5 year gas estimate = $5525 1994 Honda Accord Sedan 5 year gas estimate = $3885 1994 Honda Civic DX Sedan 5 year gas estimate = $2385 A Sampling of New Cars: 2004 Ford Explorer 2WD 5 year gas estimate = $6175 2004 Honda Accord 5 year gas estimate = $3750 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid 5 year gas estimate = $2235 2004 Toyota Prius Hybrid 5 year gas estimate = $1910 This is a small sampling of cars but you get the picture. Unless you really need an SUV or large truck, you can save a lot of money by purchaseing a fuel efficient compact car. You will sacrifice size and sometimes luxury when choosing fuel economy first. Part of this is because bigger cars and trucks are heavier and will naturally get worse gas mileage. But it is also a function of consumers not worrying about gas mileage when they make a decision on purchasing a new or used car. A great site for comparing cars fuel economy is www.fueleconomy.org. At www.fueleconomy.org you can compare numerous makes and models of both new and used cars and set the default gas costs to reflect the current prices. The numbers above are based on a $1.40 regular gas price which is really hard to find right now. In the case of the 1994 Ford Explorer you likely pay as much in gas over a 5 year span as you payed for the vehicle in the first place. Put fuel economy first and you will find yourself with more money in your pocket. About the author: Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to The ThriftyFun.com News. ThriftyFun publishes information about thrifty living. Send an email to thriftyfunnews-on@thriftyfun.com to subscribe to The ThriftyFun.com News.Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to The ThriftyFun.com News. ThriftyFun publishes information about thrifty living. Send an email to thriftyfunnews-on@thriftyfun.com to subscribe to The ThriftyFun.com News.

Chevy Silverado Hybrid Pickup 2005 Revs It Up In Performance Parts at Partstrain

Chevy Silverado Hybrid Pickup 2005 Revs It Up In Performance Parts at Partstrain Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Pickup 2005

by: Jenny McLane

Vehicles with bigger, less fuel-efficient engines will benefit more from hybrid technology, thus big pickup trucks, vans and SUVs are prime candidates for the gas-saving benefits of hybrid technology. The Chevy Silverado hybrid pickup feature GM's 5300 Vortec V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission, coupled with hybrid technology that delivers 10 to 12 percent improved fuel economy over GM half-ton pickups. It features a powerful 42-volt lead-acid battery pack underneath the rear seat, an auxiliary starter-generator between the engine and the transmission, an electronic control module, and a regenerative braking system, which charges the battery while braking, and coasting. With an auxiliary generator capability, the truck's generator can operate when the truck is parked without a key in the ignition. The hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups could power tools or appliances for up to 32 hours non-stop. This design shuts the engine down before the tank is emptied, leaving enough gas to drive to a station for refueling. All power supply circuits are protected by a ground fault detection system to prevent overloads and short circuits.  Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid 2005 VIP Style A compact electric motor that generates up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric power makes these pickup trucks more fuel-efficient. The main function of the three deep-cycle lead acid batteries is to assist the starter generator to instantly restart the engine. When the Silverado Hybrid comes to a stop while in Drive or Park, the engine will automatically shut off. When the driver takes his/her foot off the brake and puts it on the accelerator, the engine re-starts automatically and almost seamlessly. One feature of GM's Hybrid pickups that is likely to attract purchaseers is its two 120 volt power outlets inside the box near the tailgate, and another two 120 volt outlets inside the rear cab. These can be used for power tools, compressors, generators, heaters, appliances or any other electrical appliance. The outlets can be deactivated with a button on the dashboard to avoid any unauthorized use of the external 120 volts outlets. The Silverado Hybrid extended cab is a comfortable, smooth-riding pickup with a quiet, V8 engine, a roomy cab with good ventilation and excellent outward visibility, and a rugged durable chassis. GM's new gas-electric pickup truck, the Chevy Silverado Hybrid pickup, is the latest vehicle to take advantage of the gas-saving benefits of hybrid technology. At Partstrain, thousands of GMC Parts are in stock right at your fingertips. Just browse on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/GMC and you can now search for your own GMC car parts, order them, and have it delivered directly to your door at half the cost other competitors charge. If your search for your GMC auto parts comes up short, just call one of its sales professionals to help assist you in finding the right car parts you need. Its GMC car parts online catalog is the largest state of the art catalog to use for looking up GMC auto parts. About the author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional Performance

Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional Performance

Ford Escape Hybrid by: Jenny Mc Lane

The Ford Escape Hybrid is a fuel-saving, gas-electric hybrid-power version of small, four-door sport-utility vehicle, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4x4). Its power train has 2.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine rated 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 129 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; synchronous AC electric motor rated 94 hp from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm; 330-volt battery pack under rear cargo floor; electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. Maximum power output is 155 hp because gas and electric do not make their maximum power simultaneously.  Ford Escape Engine Bay It has a 2.3-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 70-kilowatt permanent-magnet traction electric motor, regenerative braking and a 330-volt battery pack. The combination provides performance on par with a V-6. The hybrid never has to be plugged in because the engine recharges the batteries, by the electric motor and by heat recovered as energy during braking. "The Escape hybrid really "wants" to be an electric vehicle, but the gasoline engine adds power for acceleration, charges the batteries and powers the air conditioning," said Mary Ann Wright, Ford's director of Sustainable Mobility Programs Unlike electric cars, hybrids never need to be plugged into a recharger. Regenerative braking recharges the Ford Escape Hybrid, which converts electric motor into a generator to help refill the battery pack during stops; and by a recharging system powered by the gas engine. Designed to last for the life of the vehicle and can be found under the Escape's cargo floor, the battery pack, which contains 250 small batteries roughly the size of D cells mounted in series doesn't infringe on cargo space. The software and computerized controllers that make everything work effectively is the key to a hybrid. Small badges identify the Ford Escape as a hybrid. The instrument panel is a little different because it contains a gauge that shows when the electric motor is the source of power and when the gasoline engine is running. An optional LCD display in the center stack gives instant and average fuel economy as well as a pictorial representation of how the power is flowing at any instant. The Escape's hybrid engine shuts down at rest to conserve fuel. When driving resumes, the SUV's 70-kilowatt traction motor generator can launch the vehicle on electric power. When it's needed, the generator starts the gas engine without the increased emissions produced when a conventional engine is started The Escape Hybrid also produces as little as half the amount of carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) as a conventional gas engine. It produces 97 percent less hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than vehicles meeting today’s required emission standards. That qualifies it for the Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards designation. Being the leader in the development of low emission vehicles, Ford continually develops projects that will someday result in practical hydrogen-powered vehicles with no greenhouse gas emissions. As zealous as Ford in continually upgrading its products to suit every client needs, Partstrain is always looking for superior and quality workmanship for its product lines. Only the finest Ford auto body parts comprise its stock. Find, compare and purchase Ford Automotive Parts, Accessories, and other Car products at Its online store http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD We supply discount ford parts for the Ford Courier, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Ford Econoline Van, Ford Expedition, Ford Taurus, Ford Maverick, Ford Falcon, Ford Thunderbird, Ford Fairlane, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford F-series pickup and many other Ford models. About the author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

2005 Honda Insight: America's First Hybrid and Fuel Efficient Vehicle with Top quality Honda Parts from Parts Train

2005 Honda Insight: America's First Hybrid and Fuel Efficient Vehicle with Top quality Honda Parts from Parts Train 2005 Honda Insight

by: Jenny McLane

Since it was introduced back in 2002, Honda Insight's 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) motor-generator have been modified, and the CVT model's final drive ratio is considerably lower, at 5.69:1 compared to 3.21 for the manual, to take advantage of the CVT's wider-spread "gear'' ratios. Powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA™) system that pairs a 3-cylinder VTEC™-E engine with an electric motor, the Insight comes fully loaded with dual front airbags (SRS), power windows, mirrors and door locks, a remote entry system, AM/FM stereo cassette, alloy wheels and much more. Like a turbocharger, the IMA motor-generator is called to action when extra power is needed for acceleration and hill climbing, and feels like a low-pressure turbo. Unlike at turbo, the motor becomes a generator when braking or coasting, which recharges the nickel metal-hydride battery pack The Honda Insight gains efficiency not only by its drivetrain but by light weight and clean aerodynamics. Curb weight is less than 2,000 lbs even with the CVT and air conditioning (standard on the CVT model, optional with the standard transmission). Like other hybrids, the Insight's engine stops when the car is stopped at a light or in traffic, contributing greatly to fuel economy. The Insight achieves EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 60/66 (manual) and 57/56 (CVT) mpg, respectively. The 2005 2006 Honda Insight runs a 1.0-liter, I3, 67-horsepower, hybrid engine whose mileage specs are 61-mpg in the city and 68-mpg on the highway. Putting power to the wheels, Honda links a 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive as standard equipment. The Hatchback with A/C and CVT is equipped with a standard 1.0-liter, I3, 65-horsepower, hybrid engine whose fuel-efficient configuration achieves 57-mpg in the city and 56-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. Standard features include alloy Wheels, AM/FM Radio, Anti-Lock Brakes, Anti-Theft Vehicle, Cassette, Driver Air Bag, Keyless Entry/Unlock, Passenger Air Bag, Rear Defogger, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Tachometer. The Honda Insight has safety-cage construction with front and rear crumple zones, side-impact protection, dual airbags and antilock brakes. You can now shop for discount car parts and accessories from Parts Train's online performance or OEM Replacement auto parts catalog at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA . In stock are thousands of Honda parts for all enthusiasts. Find OEM Honda auto parts, new aftermarket parts, Honda performance parts, and more. From engine and radiator parts to filters, wipers, auto body parts and trim and a whole lot more, you will find everything to repair and maintain your Honda. About the author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Performance Parts

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Performance Parts

by: Jenny McLane

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid uses both gasoline engine and electric motor, which gives a 50% increase in driving efficiency with a much lower emission. All this is achieved by the use of 6 powertrain components, which work in perfect unison. Ford motor has 40 patents in hybrid engine technology and 70 pending. "The greatest appeal of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is that it satisfies both your environmental conscience and sense of style. Mariner Hybrid retains the clean, tailored appearance of the conventional Mariner," said Peter Horbury, Executive Director, North American Design. Being a full hybrid, the Mercury Mariner employs both series- and parallel-hybrid characteristics. The gasoline engine shuts down to conserve fuel during coasting, at stoplights, and at low speeds. The electric motor, drawing electricity from the battery, is able to drive the vehicle without assistance up to 25 mph. It has 2.3-liter DOHC Duratec four-cylinder engine with 2 ac electric motors with 250 D-size nickel-metal hydride batteries in a compact, rear-mounted, sealed package. The vehicle could go up to 25 mph with only electric power. The gas engine automatically shuts down at stoplights, during coasting or while vehicle is crawling at low speeds. 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid has a greater fuel economy in city driving where electric motor runs the vehicle up to as much as 25 mph. The Mariner hybrid has 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped with 235/70R-16 all-season tires and a discreet air vent in the driver's side rear-quarter window that helps cool the rear-mounted nickel-metal hydride battery pack. It has an all-new Intelligent 4WD System, which automatically transfers torque from front to rear as required by road conditions without driver intervention. Mariner powertrains include a 2.3-liter 16-valve I-4 and a 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 Duratec engine. Both engines come with a standard 4-speed automatic transaxle. It also features a front end with the vertical, satin-aluminum-finished waterfall grille framing the floating Mercury emblem. The fascia features a stacked-element theme with complex refractor headlamps over inset fog lamps. A high-impact-plastic (HIP) aluminum-look bumper insert and U-shaped air intake below the bumper. Mariner has the latest level of the Personal Safety SystemTM, one of the most comprehensive and technologically advanced safety systems available in any vehicle in any class. Seat-mounted front side air bags and side air curtain air bags are optional. "Mariner Hybrid fits perfectly with Mercury's design philosophy," says Richard Gresens, Mariner chief designer. "It's a stylish, elegant design with clean simple lines. It's an urban sport-utility, comfortable going to a club downtown, yet still possessing all of the capability and versatility of a sport-utility. At the same time, it's environmentally friendly." To continue Ford's tradition of offering environment friendly, outstanding value and class leading amenities, auto parts companies like Partstrain offers top of the line Ford Parts. The customer has a choice from a vast array of Performance Parts, Replacement Parts, Aftermarket Parts and accessories. It offers new and used Ford auto body and engine parts, headlights, transmission parts, taillights, radiators, wheels, rims, and more. You can shop securely for your Ford parts with Parts Train's online store at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD The Ford OEM parts you need are in stock and ready to be shipped. About the author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.