DIY - Clean Your Car's Battery

Your car's battery provides the initial spark to get your car up and running. Timely cleaning of the battery not only ensures its longer life but also saves you from out of the blue battery troubles.

This post will quickly explain how to go about a battery clean up operation.

Here's all that you'll need:

• Rubber gloves and safety glasses
• A wrench to remove the battery
• Baking soda as the cleaning agent
• A brush with stiff bristles
• And water resistant grease
  

The clean up

1. Wear the safety gear, in this case the gloves and glasses. This is important because batteries have acid in them. The gloves and glasses will protect your hands and eyes just in case it spills over.

2. Remove the battery from the mount by loosening the cable clamps. At times the battery is less dirty so doesn't need to be taken out, at other times however, that's necessary. When you remove it, you can conduct the cleaning operation thoroughly.

3. Now brush the battery and clamps and remove all the dirt from the battery and the accumulated gunk at and around the clamps, terminals, battery posts, and brackets.

4. Once you're through with removing the dirt and residue, you need to make use of baking soda solution to clean up further. Make the solution by adding a half cup of baking soda to a cup and a half of water. Stir well till it dissolves. Pour it all over the battery, wait for 5-7 minuets before rinsing it with clean water.

5. Now wipe off the battery with a cloth/rag and let it dry. The cleanup operation is now almost complete.

6. Next, you need to mount the battery back in its place, make the connections and also apply waterproof grease to cover them.

That's about all. Lastly, don't forget to congratulate yourself for restoring the car's battery back to health.

It's not just through the batteries, but there are several simple yet effective ways you can keep you car in good health. See: Top 5 Tips - DIY Car Maintenance

Top 7 Disadvantages Of Electric Cars!

Soaring gas prices and environmental concerns, electric cars are becoming popular as an answer to some of the problems of the auto industry. However, do electric cars have a spotless reputation?

The following are their disadvantages of EVs voiced for some time now.

1. Charging Woes: Electric powered vehicles require charging stations, and for people to travel long distances there needs to be a network of such stations located strategically. Also recharging of batteries often takes about 3 hours, which nowhere matches efficiency of a gas refuel. And of course there's the charging equipment you need to carry along.

2. Traveling distance (Range): The cars can travel only about a 100 miles on an average, and on a single charge. The technology of Chrysler's proposed EVs is supposed to have the cars run longer, though.

3. Lack of power: In general electric cars are still behind gas powered vehicles in their ability to to accelerate and climb quickly.

4. Overloaded batteries: At the heart of electric automobiles are the car's batteries. At the same time, as all other accessories viz. radios, car air conditioners, etc. use up electric power from batteries, they'd drain quickly. And recharging them takes time!

5. They are expensive: Batteries that power these cars are a costly affair. Consider this: The promising and long-lasting lithium-ion batteries cost about US$10,000 each, which for the most part make these cars expensive. And if the batteries last only about 4 years, they could add to the maintenance costs.

6. They cause pollution: Yes, the 'clean & green' electric cars cause pollution too, albeit indirectly. While themselves being clean, there are toxic elements within batteries and which could spew toxic fumes. Further, the cars are powered by electricity, and all of which isn't generated from renewable energy sources. Which means electric power production per se entails pollution.

7. They're Heavy: Batteries are what makes these vehicles heavy. A battery pack of an average electric car can weigh up to a 1,000 pounds or 450 kg (approx.) This a disadvantage because weight puts pressure on batteries and they drain out faster.

While the prospect of electric vehicles seems promising, electric vehicles don't appear to be a panacea and have their own share of shortcomings. Hybrids don't seem to be flawless either, see: 11 Exclusive Disadvantages Of Hybrid Cars!. Consequently, a purchase decision in favor of EVs or hybrids might not be all that simple.

Chrysler To Launch Electric Autos by 2010!

Chrysler's announcement of new production-intent, advanced electric-drive technology vehicles – one for each of its brands, Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge, was quite a surprise for the auto industry.

The company will select one electric-drive model to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. And the company expects about a hundred Chrysler electric vehicles to populate the road as a part of government, business, utility and Chrysler development fleets in 2009.

The automaker also intends to apply electric-drive technology to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms in the next several years.

The Electric Vehicle Technology

The technology has three primary components: An electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.

The Range-extended Electric Vehicle, as its known as, combines the electric-drive components of the Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This set up combines the positives of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today’s gasoline-powered vehicles without compromises in performance.

Dodge EV

The Dodge EV development Electric Vehicle is a two-passenger rear-wheel-drive sports car that marries high performance with zero tailpipe emissions. It has a 200 kW electric-drive motor generates 650 N*m (480 lb.-ft.) of torque. Accelerates 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds, and a top speed of over 120 mph.

Jeep EV

The Jeep EV Range-extended Electric Vehicle uses an electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery system, and a small gasoline engine with an integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. It has a 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor generates 400 N*m (295 lb.-ft.) of torque. About eight gallons of gasoline has a range of 400 miles, including 40 miles of zero fuel-consumption, zero-emissions, all-electric operation.

Chrysler EV

The Chrysler EV uses a 190 kW (255 horsepower) motor, producing 350 N*m (258 lb.-ft.) of torque, providing 0 to 60 mph acceleration in approximately nine seconds. The Chrysler EV Range-extended Electric Vehicle can drive 40 miles on all-electric power, and boasts a range of 400 miles on approximately eight gallons of gasoline.

Adapted from original press release

Nucleon - Ford's Atomic Bombshell

High gas prices, environmental concerns and the wobbly auto industry asking for loans to build batteries, is the solution anywhere in sight? But Ford's engineers had an insight about 50 years ago in the form of the Nucleon concept, a car to be driven by nuclear power.

The concept car designed by Ford in 1958 was very different. Instead of an internal-combustion automobile engine, a tiny nuclear reactor was to be installed towards the rear of the vehicle. Further, a power capsule was to be placed between twin booms at the rear containing radioactive core for power. And when it ran out of fuel it could simply be replaced to recharge the car. On an average the car could travel 8000 km (5,000 miles) or even more depending on the size of the core.

The car would be steam driven, with one turbine to power the motion and the other to drive an electrical generator. The used up steam would be cooled and recirculated into the system. And the powertrain and transmission would be integral to the power module, while the electronic torque converters would be installed in the place of the drive-train in use at the time.

Such a nuclear powered car could outlast any conventional battery. And being run on steam, there won't be problems of emission too. No noise pollution or anything. A great automobile for a concept for sure. However, it never became a reality because the nuclear reactors of those times were a great deal bulkier to be fitted into a car.

Used Cars: Honda Reigns Supreme In Japan

Amidst speculations of how the Wall Street could weigh on the automotive industry sales and GM's request for the government's support on battery development, the car maker Honda has come out on top in satisfying used-vehicle owners in its home ground Japan.

The findings came to light with the release of a J.D. Power study. The study measured used-vehicle owner satisfaction with the dealership sales and delivery process based on four factors that contribute to overall satisfaction: contract and delivery; sales personnel; vehicle purchased; and facility and display.

The following chart shows the results with the points garnered by different manufacturers.
The researchers also spotted that regardless of the vehicle’s model year, customer satisfaction with manufacturer warranties was consistently higher than satisfaction with automotive dealer warranties. For instance, those who purchased a 2002 model-year vehicle or older with a manufacturer warranty, satisfaction scores were 31 points higher, on average, than among customers who received a dealer warranty.

Additionally, customer expectations about the duration of warranty coverage varied according to the cost of the warranty. Of the customers who said that they would like a free warranty included with their used-vehicle purchase, 41 percent said one year's coverage was acceptable. And of the customers who were ready to pay for warranty, 27% wanted coverage for three years, while 24 percent for five years.

The following factors contributed to overall satisfaction of customers.
The study is important because new-vehicle sales have decreased in Japan, consequently, vehicle manufacturers are focusing their efforts on used-vehicle business in order to remain profitable.

Also, as the study has shown, warranties are an important factor affecting customer satisfaction, which in turn affects recommendations and repurchase intentions. So there's a need for dealers to review their current warranty programs and bring them at par with customer needs. Further, the non-authorized used-vehicle dealerships who don't have partnerships with vehicle manufacturers need to ensure that their warranties match manufacturer warranties.

Honda seems to be in the limelight for good showing in different areas, including its concept Honda Insight which is to show up at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

Auto Industry: 7 Emerging Trends

The automotive industry is operating in an acute transition mode, thanks to the economic, technological, political,.etc influences. And while car manufacturers administer their own tweaks to their products, OEM's and auto part manufacturers would have to deal with their own set of challenges to adapt.

Several, emerging trends in the automotive engineering are evident as highlighted at PR Web.

1. Turbocharging will be popular again:

As a consequence of skyrocketing fuel prices smaller engines that generate more power would need to be built. Turbocharging already prevails in Europe, it would be in the US too by as early as 2010.

2. Internal combustion engine will evolve.

While the internal combustion engine stays, it will take on newer avatars owing to alternative fuel technologies used to drive the engines. For instance, plug-in vehicles, battery- powered cars and fuel cells powered automobiles. At the same time requiring, that the engines are ever more efficient.

3. Emergence of Biofuels

Biofeuls are likely to become popular in many parts of the world. For OEMs this means that they must rely on fail-safe materials due to a lack of standards for biodiesel. In Brazil use of biofuels has already achieved independence from petroleum fuel sources.

4. Consolidation of automotive fluids within assembly plants

Systems and processes for assembly plants meant to achieve less complex inventory management of fluids would be needed. And that this trend has already led to consolidation efforts that rely on multiple-use fluids.

5. Continuing vehicle electrification

Today as a result of advancements in electronics, most advanced electronic items can be added within the confines of 14-volt electrical systems. Consequently, most automobiles can be steered or braked electronically without voltage architecture beyond 14 volts. More systems will come under the electrical system reach.

6. The need to manufacture environment friendly refrigerants

A 2011 EU standard aims to eliminate the use of R-134a, the A/C system refrigerant currently used worldwide. The following are three options for OEMs based on their location:

7. Emergence of Round-the-Globe Engineering

Major OEMs are setting up development centers around the globe. While Asian OEMs prefer satellite centers that take principal direction from a larger parent center, the North American model seems to allow these centers a given specific platform (and powertrain) development responsibility. And this necessitates local sourcing as well as local engineering and materials decision-making.

And BTW, see if you can afford to miss the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

AutoEvent: Paris Motor Show 2008

Initiated by the industry pioneer, Albert de Dion in 1898, the Paris Motor Show or the “Mondial de l'Automobile,” is one of the biggest automotive trade events in the world. A biennial event, with the last being held in 2006, 72 world premieres were launched by car manufacturers during the event.

This year's show is to be held from October 4 to 19. And not to mention that this time too, expectations are high and a number of innovative products are expected to greet the visitors.

Popularity & Reach

The auto event's popularity is unparalleled, in 2006 over 11,000 journalists flocked over to the venue from about 100 countries. It's a one stop destination for professionals from the whole industry and around the world to visit the show, meet automotive manufacturers and service providers. Not only businesses, but the general public too is attracted in large numbers. Hence the show caters whole-heartedly to the automotive industry in several ways, such as for product launches, services marketing, image building exercises, marketing experiments and PR. All of which makes it a truly happening automotive marketplace.

Exhibitors' Profile

Traditionally the exhibitors have included manufacturers of private vehicles, “niche” automakers, the main automotive equipment manufacturers around the world, topnotch designers and some of the best service providers. See below for the profile of exhibitors:
Some automobile premieres to show up at the event have have already created a lot of buzz. Honda Insight Concept Hybrid, a five-passenger hybrid going on sale in the U.S. next spring is proposed to be marketed at a price much below than today's hybrids. An All-new Ford Ka will also debut at the Motor Show. Similarly, Subaru would unveil the boxer turbo diesel engine.

The Show's Key Details

Name: 2008 Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l'Automobile)

Days & Dates:

Press Days: Thursday 2 and Friday 3 October ... 9am - 7pm

VIP preview evening: Thursday 2 October ... 8pm - Midnight

Networks preview evening: Friday 3 October ... 7pm - Midnight

Public Days: From Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 October: Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays 10 am - 8 pm; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10 am - 10 pm

Contact: Mondial Automobile

For reviews of other Auto Trade Events, See Trade Shows

Honda's Insight: Make Hybrids Affordable!

As environmental concerns encourage the automotive industry towards producing greener than ever automobiles, Honda plans to showcase it's concept called “Insight” at the Paris International Auto Show. The automotive trade event, “Paris Motor Show” will run from October 2 to 19, 2008.

The new Insight Concept has styling features similar to the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle and is claimed to be an early look at the highly-anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle. It's often the price of hybrids that's cited as the reason for keeping many potential consumers away from purchasing hybrids. See: 11 Exclusive Disadvantages Of Hybrid Cars!. However, Honda's new vehicle going to be up for sale in the U.S., would be priced much below hybrids available today the company has said. Thus making hybrid technology affordabile and accessible. The original Honda Insight was introduced in December 1999 as America's first gas-electric hybrid car.

The New Vehicle Is Expected To:

• Be at the forefront of fuel efficiency.
• Have a roomy five passenger cabin.
• Be offered as a hatchback with a five-door access.
• Have folding rear seats.
  

Off late car makers in America and Europe have had to lobby against initiatives attempting to make it obligatory for them to manufacture much more fuel efficient vehicles and with minimum emissions. For instance, almost a year back and in US the car makers lobbied Congress against a proposal which would have forced them to achieve a fleet-average fuel consumption 35 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2020. And in Europe German carmakers registered their protest against the European Commission's proposal to impose financial penalties if their fleets emissions were more than 130 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre (g/km) by 2012, the Economist throws light on the trend.

The dynamics of the automotive industry have changed, and it's best if the auto manufacturers themselves initiate moving towards technologies that are in line with the consumers' demand as well as environmental interests. Which for now seem to have merged pretty much.

Meanwhile the Automobile Buyers' Hunting Ground have also changed, and that it's the Vehicle's Quality, Which Dictates Customer Satisfaction!