Archive for September, 2008

How A Hydrogen Generator For Cars Works

Imagine a tiny power plant small enough to fit under the hood of your car. With your own hydrogen generator for cars, this is the possibility of hydrogen fuel for cars. Hydrogen as a fuel for cars has a great range of benefits. It costs less than gasoline, offers better mileage than gasoline and puts out low to zero emissions.

A big drawback in converting your car to run on hydrogen gas is the absence of hydrogen fueling stations in most areas. If you live close to a hydrogen fuel production place, it won’t be a problem to refuel but if not you would have to make your own fuel using a hydrogen generator for cars.

One common method of producing hydrogen fuel is electrolysis. This method creates hydrogen by introducing a electric current and an electrolyte to water, which creates a state though which hydrogen gas separates from the water. The hydrogen gas can be used as fuel for a vehicle with a few modifications. Do-it-yourselfers can easily build their own simple hydrogen generator for cars using a system that goes by the name of water for gas.

Hydrogen generators are typically used in cars in one of two ways. One way involves the creation of hydrogen fuel through a hybrid type system; this is done through an electrolysis process powered by the vehicle’s own electrical system. Materials for constructing a simple hydrogen fuel production system are readily available in most auto parts or hardware stores, so just a plan is sufficient for constructing these, however, for certain special items that are not so common, you may need to place a special order. Alternatively, you can convert your car to full hydrogen fuel consumption though the installation of on-board generators.

The hybrid option to produce hydrogen fuel reduces gasoline consumption as well as the emissions put out by your car. This saves you money and is better for the environment. In this method, a small amount of hydrogen goes through the inlet manifold and into your fuel induction system, using the same fuel and air lines that currently carry gasoline/air mixtures into the engine.

You can make a hydrogen generator for cars that can provide enough fuel to completely replacing the gasoline you normally use for your car. Doing this will entail a mini electrolysis system along with a way to store the hydrogen and energy. Since changes could be required for your engine, this technique for hydrogen fuel production is the most complicated and costly. When you finish, though, you will enjoy a vehicle that has zero emissions and costs approximately a third as much to operate as a regular car.

Today, the hybrid engine is the most cost effective and sensible option. A full tilt hydrogen generator for cars may be a good choice in the future, but since there is currently a lack of hydrogen fueling stations and hydrogen generator repair shops, hybrid engines will be your best option for several more years. Indeed, converting to hydrogen completely will be an expensive process and will void your warranty. Rather wait for the manufacturers to do this, but this might take a while. As a compromise the hybrid system might be the way to go as it is easy to install and should not affect the warranty.

About the Author:

Posted on Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
Under: Cars and Trucks | No Comments »

How To Buy a Used RV

Don’t be put off by the idea of buying a used RV. More people are buying used all the time, due to the annually rising costs of buying new vehicles. And because new RV’s tend to be on the pricey side, a used RV may be just the right idea.

Aside from the fact that purchasing a used RV is less expensive than going all out on a new one, there is one other benefit that can be taken into consideration as well.

Probably the biggest benefit other than the price is that it is far less of an investment to waste than if you were to purchase a brand new RV off the dealer’s lot. In other words, this benefit definitely applies to that “first-time” buyer. If you have never owned an RV before, this is a far less costly way to decide whether or not the RV lifestyle is for you.

If you have definitely decided on purchasing a used RV versus a new one, then you should probably put in some due diligence and do a little bit of research. The most important part of the purchasing process involves the decision-making aspect — ask yourself what kind of used RV you want to purchase and what type will suit your needs.

Once you have your outdoor and vacationing style pinned down, you can better answer that question. Keep in mind that you can find an RV in nearly any shape or size and that some don’t even require you to drive.

You should learn about what types of motorhome options are available. If you are buying a Class A or C motorhome, you have the option of gas or diesel engine. This is important to know before you buy.

You might not want something so large, though. In that case, you will want to look into travel trailers, camper trailers, and other RV’s that allow themselves to be towed. The best part of this project is that you can easily use the internet to find out what you need to know.

Of course, you don’t want to buy an RV and then have it break down. If you want our very best advice, here it is: Get a mechanic who is knowledgeable about RV’s to run an inspection on the RV in which you are interested. This can save you a lot of money and heartache.

Even if you were buying a regular car, this would be a smart move. With an RV, it is even more important.

You should also look into all the ways you can finance your RV purchase. No matter what your credit scores, you can find a way to finance. Look into your city’s credit union, bank, the RV dealership, or loans and savings.

What you are most interested in learning is how much the loan will run you by the end. The finance charges can change, as can the interest rate, even if the prime-lending rate remains static.

You will also need to get an extended warranty for your used RV. For one thing, the warranty that will be included in your used RV purchase will rarely cover as much as you want it to. Buying an extended warranty is also crucial for two other reasons. First of all, you already know the pain of unexpected (and pricey) repairs. One other incentive is that this can help your finances in the future.

About the Author:

Posted on Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
Under: RVs | No Comments »

Show off a little bling in the BMW Z4!

If you are the type of person who loves sporty but wants to look sophisticated when tooling around in your sports car, the best choice has to be the BMW Z4.

The BMW Z4 is nothing shy of a trendy little sports rocket! With more bling and good looks than any other car in its class, the Z4 has all of the good looks and a charming personality to boot!

Small and sleek, this land shark may be small in size but it has big personality. The Z4 demands a second glance when it revs up the engine at the stop light. Expect gawkers to be all over the Z4 no matter where you take it, the beach, the freeway or even the parking garage. This sassy little vehicle practically screams fun!

All about looks, the Z4 roadster comes equipped with its trademark flame surfaced design which is prevalent on the sides of the car. The back has a contoured flat design that keeps it up to pace with other classy sports cars that are comparable to this BMW. Designed with just one to two passengers in mind, the Z4 is perfect for the single person who pours their life into their vehicle.

Bred for sexiness, the Z4 interior has everything the driver needs right at their fingertips, this is kept up to par in classic BMW style. Your choice of leather interior seats and GPS capabilities await you in the Z4.

The hardest thing you will have to worry about with the Z4 is whether to get a coupe or a roadster. If you are looking to let your hair unfurl a bit the convertible roadster will bring all the bling and style straight to you! If you like to remain professional yet still a little less conservative when you don’t have to be, give the coupe a spin and see where the road takes you.

With its charming good looks and stellar personality the BMW Z4 is a take charge kind of car. It’s all about high class with just a touch of bling, exactly like the driver behind its wheel.

About the Author:

Posted on Monday, September 29th, 2008
Under: Cars and Trucks | No Comments »

Deals on Rental Cars in Las Vegas

Are you taking a vacation to Las Vegas? If so, getting around this city can be difficult if you don’t have a car. There is public transportation and taxis but distances in Las Vegas are farther apart than they appear and due to the high demand, taxis lines can be long. With a car you’ll be able to travel out of town to the border city of Prim and even the Grand Canyon. You will be able to come and go as you please and see and do things that you wouldn’t be able to with other forms of transportation. Here are some tips to renting a car in Las Vegas.

Since Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination there are many car rental companies to choose from. The majority of them have rental offices at the airport which is convenient especially if you’ll be renting a car your entire vacation and will be flying out of the Las Vegas airport. There are also rental offices in town which may be more convenient if you won’t be renting your car until later in your holiday. Car rental companies in town may also have better rates than ones located at the airport.

Types of Cars

Since Las Vegas is popular for vacationers as well as business people, there are various types of cars to choose from. There are compact and economy size cars as well as luxury cars. If you’ll be traveling to one of the nearby state parks and camping then there are minivans and SUV’s to choose from. If you’re looking for more excitement then many car companies offer specialty rentals such as sport cars and convertibles. There are some agencies that specialize in luxury sport cars such as Porsche and Ferrari.

Finding the Best Deal

To find the best deal on a Las Vegas rental car, use the internet to price compare. There are travel websites such as Travelocity and Orbitz that will show you available rates and models from various rental companies during the time you wish to rent. You can also book your plane tickets and hotel on these sites so they provide one-stop shopping. There is a nominal charge for booking on these sites which can be worth it for the convenience.

Partner Discounts

Many rental companies, airlines and hotel chains partner with each other so you should check with your hotel and airline. To receive the discount or special rate you’ll need a special rate code and enter it when booking your rental. If you don’t have the discount code then call the rental agency and ask for the discount.

About the Author:

Posted on Monday, September 29th, 2008
Under: Cars and Trucks | No Comments »

Train Horns

Have you ever heard the sound of a train horn passing by late at night? It’s a sound unlike any other. Have you wondered where that horn is from and how it came to signify a passing train? Train horns have their own special place in people’s imagination. Many stories and songs have been written about train horns and the lonesome sound they make. Unlike their predecessors, train whistles, train horns are loved by most people.

There are many companies who have been engaged in the manufacture of train horns. To most notable are:

Gustin Bacon Manufacturing Company - This company was making air horns for trains until World War II.

The American Strombos Company - Strombos’ horn was based on a truck horn and was used on early locomotives.

Westinghouse Air Brake Company - Also known as WABCO, Westinghouse was the first to make air horns designed specifically for use on trains, back in 1910.

Other than the companies listed above, there were other companies making train horns. The companies who pulled ahead of the pack and are still in the business today both have their origins in the company once called AMCO.

Robert Swanson is credited with developing the first air horns, five and six-chime type, for trains. Working at Victoria Lumber Manufacturing in the 1920s, this began as a hobby. Partnering with George Challenger, Ernie Canon, and Bill Piercy the company known as AMCO (Airchime Manufacturing Company) was born in 1949. The first multiple chime air horn used on the trains was the H5 developed by Swanson. It was a big hit and the public let it be known that the horn was a very desirable sound.

The horns were licensed to two different companies; Nathan of New York and Hyson of New England. It was this way that the Airchime company really grew. The name Nathan Airchime is seen on U.S. produced horns, including the model K, Swanson’s last and finest horn. This horn is still the one most commonly used by rail companies in the U.S. These horns replaced the Prime and Leslie models of horn as they aged.

The Leslie company was founded in 1930 by John Leslie and was primarily engaged in the production of parts for steam engines, both for trains and ships. The train horns produced by this company were essentially the Swedish Tyfon horn, which the Leslie company bought the rights to. Until 1950 when Airchime horns came to be more popular, the Tyfon A-200 was the most popular train horn on the market.

Train horns are not just for trains. Did you know there are people who are either installing these horns on their vehicles, mostly trucks, or finding someone to install them? The problem this creates is wanting to use them. Because they are so loud, they could be responsible for accidents if used in traffic. So most people are putting them on to play with or just for show.

So the next time that you hear a train passing in the night, take a minute and reflect on these horns and how they were created. You’ll hear this truly unique sound and maybe, just maybe whisper a quick thank you to those who made this sound possible.

About the Author:

Posted on Sunday, September 28th, 2008
Under: Cars and Trucks | No Comments »

Debt Consolidation - Advantages And Disadvantages

Are you in debt now? If the answer is a Yes, you may probably want to find some ways to ease the problem. In fact, there are a lot of ways to do so. One of the ways you will probably think of is debt consolidation.

In fact, there is a case that debt consolidation may not be your choice. If you only have a single debt, you will only need to deal with one creditor. In this case debt consolidation may not be really suitable for you. It should be consider when you are in debts from different lenders or creditors.

So what is your current situation when your debts are concerned? Are your dealing with five lenders presently? If your answer is a YES, you may want to consolidate your debts before it is too late.

In fact, a lot of people will go for the option of debt consolidation if they are dealing with various lenders currently. This is because there are a lot of advantages associated with debt consolidation.

The first advantage of debt consolidation is that you will only need to deal with one single lender after your debts have been consolidated. You will only need to make one single payment each month. This will make it easier for you to manage your debt.

In most cases you will get a lower interest rate after debt consolidation. This is why you are seeking for it! There is not point for you to consolidate your debt if you are not going to pay less interest. This is also one of the reasons for people to seek for this solution.

Everything will have its disadvantages. This is also true for debt consolidation. The major disadvantage is that you will easily get new debts. You may think that it is impossible. However, I can tell you that it is the fact. Since your debts are consolidated, you will be tempted to get new loans if you cannot really control yourself.

Last but not the least, debt consolidation is only one of your options. This can be an ultimate debt solution for some people. However, this may not work for some other people. You will need to consider carefully before you make your decision.

About the Author:

Posted on Sunday, September 28th, 2008
Under: Cars and Trucks | No Comments »

Can You Save With These 4 Alternative Fuels?

As the cost of a gallon of gasoline tops four dollars, researchers are scrambling to come up with a viable fuel alternative that’s cheaper and readily available. Four of these include: Biodiesel, Electricity, Ethanol and Water (Yes, Water).

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced by a variety of vegetable oils and animal fats. It can be used in a pure form or blended with other products. Biodiesel is clean burning, non toxic and biodegradable.

It is also not as combustible and fairly easy to produce domestically and it can even be produced at home although this is not recommended without appropriate guidance. When strict guidelines are not followed it could damage a very expensive diesel engine. It’s safe to handle, store and transport making it very desirable from a security and health standpoint. The U. S. biodiesel industry currently is very small but growing rapidly.

Electricity can be used to power pure electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) work by storing energy in batteries and powering the wheels by an electric motor. Storage capacity and distance are limited. Some have on board chargers and others require a plug-in.

Electrical vehicles are small but quiet and have no tail pipe emissions. They’re primarily used for neighborhood commuting, light hauling and delivery with a maximum speed of 35 mph. Batteries have to be replaced about every four years or 20,000 miles.

No major auto manufacturer has yet started producing a total electric vehicle because they say the demand isn’t there. But some small independent manufacturers have found a niche market with increasing demand.

Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from a variety of plants called biomass. In the U. S., ethanol is primarily made from corn but in Brazil they use the much more efficient sugar cane. It contains the same chemical compound found in alcohol.

Research is continuing into Cellulosic Ethanol Feedstock. This includes making the fuel from agricultural residue such as wheat straw and leaves, forestry wastes such as wood chips and sawdust and even plant derived household garbage together with waste paper products.

Grasses are now also being raised for ethanol production. Benefits include total manufacture domestically, low greenhouse emissions and creating jobs in depressed employment sectors.

A gallon of pure ethanol contains 34% less energy than a gallon of gas and gets lower gas mileage. It can only be used in flex fuel vehicles but is usually priced cheaper in order to compete with higher priced gasoline.

One of the most exciting potential sources of energy is the conversion of water to gas using a conversion kit to transform water into HHO which can be combined with gas to power a vehicle.

The U. S. Department of Energy says these alternative fuels increase our energy security, improve public health and our environment. Studies estimate that ethanol and other biofuels could reduce more than 30% of gas demand in the United States by the year 2030 and HHO could reduce it even further. Usually, when demand drops, so do prices.

About the Author:

Posted on Sunday, September 28th, 2008
Under: Cars and Trucks | No Comments »

Renting a Car in Sydney: A Practical Ready Reckoner

Plan to holiday in Sydney, Australia? Well, indeed a good choice, but how do you get about once you land there? Hire a car of course! There are many ways in which a car can be hired out here. The easiest (but not necessarily cheapest) way is to ask your travel agent to do the needful. This would save you a lot of trouble but is perhaps not the best bargain. Your travel agent may have ‘tie ups’ with some Sydney car rental company which pays him a commission which means he makes money both ways, while you lose out on the better deals.

So what’s the solution? Well a smart approach would be to scour the Internet for good car rental offers and book your car online. Carefully peruse the terms and conditions of every car rental company. The rental services have user friendly online forms that need minimal details - your planned date of arrival, date of completion, as well as the delivery details and of course your basic personal information. And most car companies conveniently accept credit card payments. Some are more tech savvy and even take paypal payments or wire transfers.

So what are the fees to look out for when renting a car in Sydney? The base rate of rentals is in the range of $70 to $100 per day. Other standard fees charged by car rental companies in Sydney include toll pass fees $2.00 per day and Insurance Excess Reduction of $15.00 per day. Other fees may be applicable depending on your choices - additional driver fees at $3.00 per day, baby seat fee at $9.00 per day, Sat Nav GPS $35.00 flat fee as well as a fee of $10.00 per day for under age driver (under 25). As you can see, hiring a car in Sydney is not cheap but hunt for the better bargains by browsing through online ads to check out the discounts on offer. Discounts are invariably available only through direct online bookings and not through an agent.

While car companies may claim that the prices offered on the net are fully inclusive, it is in your best interests to examine the terms and conditions as most hidden costs are not immediately discernible. Fees such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are a case in point. An international driving license is a must. The validity for using your international driving license in Sydney is three months. Always check that your personal travel insurance covers you for motor vehicle accidents and rental car insurance excess as it is more economical than paying the car rental company in the event of an accident.

If you wish to land a real bargain, try taking ‘off the beaten track’. Hound the Sydney centered blogs, Yahoo chat sessions and you will find plenty of folks who will rent out a car at rock bottom prices. Ensure, however, that you don’t fall prey to unscrupulous scammers; the possibility of being swindled or even falling for a stolen car is quite high. You may land up in deep trouble with the law enforcement agencies - you don’t want to be on the wrong side of the law! So take the tried and true path; research and pick the best car rental deal, the safe and effective way.

About the Author:

Posted on Saturday, September 27th, 2008
Under: Cars and Trucks | No Comments »

The Chopper: A Brief History

by Fabian Toulouse

A chopper is a type of motorcycle that became popular after World War II. Motorcycles are assembled with an array of parts, including the rather conservative fender. After World War II, veterans came home and decided to strip down their bikes to make them easier to ride. Aping their military motorcycles, the vets were eager to make their civilian bikes capable of racing in rough terrain. A typical civilian bike was unnecessarily laden with unneeded parts and accessories.

The vets detached fenders, turn indicators, front breaks, and spring suspended saddles. The tires, headlights, and fuel tanks were all replaced with smaller and lighter options to reduce the weight of their bikes. The resultant bike was referred to as a chopped up motorcycle, that is, a chopper. These choppers became so trendy, motorcycle manufacturers began to build chopper versions of popular models.

The original choppers were for riders looking for thrills on rough terrain. The modern versions, however, have been equipped with the very parts that the vets were eager to chop off. The emphasis on weight also seems to be a thing of the past as modern choppers seldom, if ever, ride on anything other than asphalt. From the rough and tumble to the Sunday poser.

The chopper was never intended to be aesthetically pleasing. A proper chopper had its rake and trail, the axis where the forks and the wheel join, modified, creating that long, elongated look that is distinctive to the chopper. That look can also be a major cause for a number of accidents. The chopper is infamous as a difficult bike to ride, as most new riders are unaccustomed to the change of the rake and trail. Any rider who is not experienced could hurt themselves.

Before you have the misfortune of getting into a motorcycle accident, make sure your insurance is up to date. A tailored bike, like a chopper, is not always covered by insurance companies, even companies that insure typical motorcycles. If your chopper takes a tumble, make sure you consult qualified motorcycle accident lawyers who will work with you to get results. Until then, get your motor running!

About the Author:

Posted on Saturday, September 27th, 2008
Under: Motorcycles | No Comments »

The Fine Points of Hiring A Car - Car Rental Fees Must Know’s

Renting a car is never easy. The Internet is full of advertisements promising the best deal and they usually give a ‘base price’ in the range of $70 to $100 per day depending upon the size of the car. However, at most times the companies do not explain the hidden costs or even what constitutes the base price offered. Depending on which country the customer rents a car, the quantum of various fees varies. However, it is best to make informed choices when it comes to renting a car - keeping abreast of all the fees that make up your rental bill is the first step when you head out to your travel destination.

Most car rental companies demand a safety deposit the first time you rent a vehicle. This portion of the rental fee is fully refundable and may come to a couple of hundred dollars depending upon the size of the car. The car rental fee is next; this is the actual charge for renting the car. Most car rental companies also charge a ‘contract fee’ to cover the administrative costs of renting the car to the customer. If the customer requests for a delivery of the car and a place for collection of the returned car, the company may charge two separate fees, once for delivery and the other being the collection fee. Beware though! A collection point designated in a different state by the customer may attract anything up to a couple of thousand dollars as collection fees depending upon the distance of the collection point from the car company’s home office. If the delivery is requested at the airport, a separate ‘airport surcharge’ will also be applicable. In addition, if the delivery or the collection is requested after normal working hours, an ‘after hours fee’ may also be charged. Traditionally, car companies charge a state taxes fee should the client need to drive across states. Driving across international borders may even attract a cross border fee - this is a mandatory fee that may be substantial and not easily waived. Also if you have an additional driver, an additional driver fee can also be charged.

Some countries also charge a tourism fee for tourists who wish to rent a car. Most US cities charge a flat rate as toll tax, and this can range from $2 to $5 per day. Some car companies also charge fuel charge fee or extra mileage fee. This may depend on what scheme of car rental the customer has opted for. Some companies go by a set number of kilometers driven per day or set number of hours per day. Any excess kilometers or time is then charged as extra fee. In case the customer requires a baby seat or a ski rack then additional fees are required to be paid. In some countries being young, usually under the age of 25, attracts extra fees in the form of younger driver fees. Again look out for the hidden fees. With fancy names such as collision damage waiver (CDW) fees, you may pay hefty sums as much as $15 a day. This fee is not actually collision insurance but more as a guarantee that the rental company will pay for any damage to the rental car, along with a caveat of some ‘deductibles’.

Finally if you intend to return the car earlier than planned, don’t hope for a sizeable refund. Many companies actually penalize you for cutting the rental duration; an early return fee becomes admissible! It is therefore extremely important that you - a prospective customer - are attentive to the ads and the terms and conditions of hire before signing up for a car rental. If you take renting seriously, consulting your car insurance company or your credit card company before hiring a car would be a great idea. In the end, don’t fall for tall claims and false promises; choose your rental company prudently and have a worry-free vacation!

About the Author:

Posted on Saturday, September 27th, 2008
Under: Cars and Trucks | No Comments »