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June 10, 2008
Quick question, what side of your car is your gas tank?

As I have been driving for years, one would think I would have noticed the little secret on my dash that was staring me right in the face the whole time. I didn't and I bet you probably haven't either.

If you look at your gas gauge, you will see a small icon of a gas pump.
The handle of the gas pump will extend out on either the left or right side of the pump.

If your tank is on the left, the handle will be on the left.

If your tank is on the right, the handle will be on the right.
It is that simple!

May 27, 2008
The Pros and Cons of Converting Your Car to an Alternative Fuel
by Steve Longoria

Many people are researching the possibility of converting their car to alternative fuels, partly due to the increase in fuel prices and also as a way of helping the environment. Some alternative fuels can also pro-long the life of your vehicle which is also a huge advantage but what costs should you consider when making these changes to your car? There are a few advantages and a few disadvantages of converting your car to alternative fuels and your own personal situation may impact on how much these pros and cons affect you. So if you are considering converting your car to another fuel than read through these pros and cons and see which ones affect your situation and whether it will be worth it for you to convert your car.

There are a few advantages and a few disadvantages of converting your car to alternative fuels and your own personal situation may impact on how much these pros and cons affect you. So if you are considering converting your car to another fuel than read through these pros and cons and see which ones affect your situation and whether it will be worth it for you to convert your car.

Vehicles that are set up to operate on alternative fuels are much more cost effective than vehicles that use petroleum fuels. If you are in the market to buy a new car and are considering alternative fuels then it would be less expensive to buy a car that is already set up to run on alternative fuels than it would be to buy a car and then convert it to use alternative fuels.

There are some environmental group programs such as 'Alternative Fuels Conversion Program' that will help you financially if you do decide to replace your car with a more energy efficient car. This group provides grants for up to half the cost to managers and fleet owners for them to purchase LPG or Natural Gas vehicles or to convert their existing cars to LPG or Natural Gas.

The main advantage of converting your car to use alternative fuels is of course the effect that it will have on the environment. The pollution given by petroleum fuels is not at all good for our environment and with concerns over Global Warming then everyone can do their bit to help by using alternative fuels and putting less stress on our environment.

If you run a company then using alternative fuels for your business will give your company an impressive image to the public. People will regard your company highly when they can see that your company is doing its part to help the environment.

One more advantage to alternative fuels is that they can extend the operation life of your vehicle. The process of corrosion and build-up will slow down if your car is running on cleaner fuel. Vehicles using alternative fuels will operate more efficiently and will have fewer maintenance problems and will ultimately save you money on maintenance costs.

It can be quite expensive to convert your existing vehicle to operate on alternative fuels. Often the complete fuel system will need to be replaced to ensure that there are no traces of the previous fuel type.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find the correct parts and have those parts maintained so this will be something that will need to be researched before going ahead with the decision to convert.

The biggest disadvantage of converting cars to alternative fuels is obviously the cost involved but remember that the costs saved in fuel and in maintenance may make up for the initial cost involved in the conversion.

Most importantly by converting your car to an alternative fuel you are investing in the future of our environment. Also, you don't have to convert your car to run completely on alternative fuels.

There are many popular guides out there that will show you how to use water as a supplemental fuel source. Many are saying they're able to save up to 50%-70% in gas mileage.

April 23, 2008
What could a future automobile be like
by Dolly Kapil

The future car, lets say a 2025 model will be a very different machine to its present day Grandfather. They will be packed with computers and safety devices ensuring that not even a stunt driver can crash, and they will run on carbon dioxide and emit strawberry scented oxygen. Well they might. Predictions of future vehicles are usually wildly inaccurate, by now we should all have space programs to rival NASA based out of our backyard. However some of the automobile related cutting edge technology emerging now may well make it into production models of the future. But how much of this technology will be needed or even wanted? Car design of the present is already influenced by politicians, bureaucrats, health and safety regulations and emissions regulations and the stunning concept seen at the motorshow emerges into the world as a 1.0 litre shopping cart, but at least its legal.

Personally I like the idea of fuel efficient hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars emitting nothing but water. However, like most enthusiasts I also like powerful loud convertibles with with the ability to snap a vertabrae at 10 paces. A sensible mix therefore is required and this will be the job entrusted to car designers and engineers of the future, to make a politically correct car that is also desirable.

Another immenent problem facing designers of the future is coming up with styling ideas that are fresh and new. Some of the more recent concepts are certainly striking but not necessarily beautiful in the classic sense of the word. But if there is one thing the automobile industry is good at that is innovation, and I for one am confident that radical and extreme concepts never before imagined will continue to appear at motorshows around the world.

Computer technology has already taken a firm hold of the automobile and the modern driver is less and less responsible for the actions of their vehicle, soon crash victims will try to sue the electronics companies for accidents they caused because their computer system failed to brake the car even though they were fast asleep at the wheel on a three lane highway. Until you have automation of every single vehicle on every single road computer driven cars are just not feasible, in my mind there are just far too many on-the-road variables, with all the logic in the world you cannot beat a brain. Now computer assisted driving is already available in certain Mercedes models which brake for you if your not looking where your going and your too close to the car in front, but there is still a driver in control of the car, or is there. What if for some reason you wanted to get closer to the car in front, you needed to get closer to the car, if you didn't get closer to the car something terrible would happen to civilization. Where do you draw the line with vehicle automation?

In advanced cities of the future CCTV will be so prevalent that visible crimes such as car theft are all but wiped out, but that still won't stop the determined thief. GPS (Global Positioning System) units fitted as standard to all new automobiles will be able to track any vehicle at anytime anywhere, this technology is already common but more widespread use is inevitable. In the UK the government is already talking about fitting GPS to charge motorists depending on what road they travel on and at what times to cut spiraling congestion. This technology coupled with an improved mobile phone and bluetooth network can be used to track and recover stolen vehicles. When the vehicle is found to be stolen a call can be made which shuts down the engine of the car. At the same time a call is sent out which alerts available nearby police, by using the GPS installed in both the stolen car and the police car officers can track the car even if they cannot see it. The police will also have much more insight into a vehicles record when out on patrol, using bluetooth technology a police car can tail a vehicle and receive information on the owner, the current driver and their driving history, and even find out recent top speed and acceleration figures. Of course who wants that, you think you've just had a fun little blast on your favorite bit of road you get pulled over five miles later and the officer gives you a speeding ticket for something he didn't see. But if this technology is mandatory then what choice do you have.

Access to future automobiles may be very different to the keys of today, push button code entry and keycard systems where the key doesn't even leave you pocket, already available, will become common place. You hear the term keyless entry but it still uses a remote control attached to a key which is then used to start the car. Biometrics which are available on some computer systems and use fingerprinting as a password could be an effective alternative to the key, you could even program it for members of your family deciding between access only for the children or access and drive functions for those with licenses. However I belive it will be some time before this is the only means of vehicle entry or start up, what if you are lending your car to a friend and you cannot be present to allow start up.

Multimedia systems will continue to develop in cars until the point where the "are we there yet" phrase develops into "can we stay here". Manufacturers are continuing to cram more and more video screens into increasingly ingenious places providing a rolling cinematic Dolby 7.0 surround sound experience. DVDs are going to go the way of the VCR with hard disk recording of video being the dominant power much as MP3s are killing off CDs. This MP4 technology will save space in the car and allow for far more footage to be kept on board. Improvements in wireless Internet connections could mean that the larger roads can support Internet capable vehicles and constantly inform the driver with up to date relevant road information. A screen in the dash can display live images to show traffic reports and also predict traffic jams by using the GPS systems in all vehicles to show areas where vehicles have been stopped or are congested, and then supply alternate routes. The sound systems of cars will also improve and become more personalised for the various passengers, with headphone sockets and multiple sound outlets, there might be four different radio stations that can be played at once through the different jacks, and a variety of MP3s that can be played at once.

Passenger safety is already a priority for modern day car manufacturers and this will only increase in importance into the future. The widespread use of airbags will increase, the side impact protection airbags featured in some models have proved to be extremely effective in saving lives, more research and better positioning will continue to improve their performance and reliability. Airbags at the moment can only be deployed once so in a multiple collision crash their effectiveness is voided after the first impact, future airbag systems however may take this into consideration and incorporate multiple single use airbags in one position or reusable airbags which can be inflated several times. Some manufacturers use a dynamic headrest in some high-spec models, these move forward during a collision to stop the head snapping back quite so far and reducing the chance of spinal injury (whiplash.

It has been found that a vehicles bumper and frame height is a very important factor when it comes to safety during a collision, if a vehicle has bumper which is too high it can override the bumper of the other vehicle and plough directly into the passenger compartment putting the occupants at severe risk. Accidents like this usually occur when a average size car collides with a truck or SUV, this mismatch can be avoided by having adjustable ride heights on the larger vehicles, when they are on a smooth road lowering the vehicle to a suitable height would reduce the dangers normally associated with these sorts of collision, as a by product this would also reduce the top heavy nature of trucks and SUVs and rollover accidents could be avoided.

Sensors will be increasingly responsible for predicting and safeguarding against avoidable accidents. Sensors will monitor the road surface scanning for black ice and hazardous conditions, this information will then be displayed to the driver and the vehicle may take appropriate steps to improve traction thus reducing the chance of an accident. The information gathered may also be relayed to a central road monitoring network which can inform other motorists of changing weather conditions, in effect every vehicle would become a roving weather station.

Sensors will also monitor the cars position on the road and if the vehicle is found to be straying from the road or traffic lane an alarm would sound this feature is already found on the Citroen C4 amongst others. Sensors could also monitor the drivers well-being, imaging sensors would track eye movement and if the eyes close for more than a few seconds an alarm would sound to alert the driver. Audi uses sensors on its new A6 which monitor for wet conditions, if found the BOSCH brakes are applied intermittently to wipe off the water and ensure good contact when they are needed, the pressure applied in this process is so slight the driver does not notice. Improved night vision and spatial awareness would help cut down on night time crashes which account for half the road related fatalities each year even though only a quarter of all driving occurs at night. Cadillac already includes infrared night vision as an option on some of its more desirable models, infrared vision does not see light it sees heat and the warmer an object is the more it stand out on the screen. The screen is a heads up display projected onto the windscreen infront of the drivers line of sight allowing the driver to see the real world and also the digital projection. Honda has a similar system with the added ability to identify objects and pick out pedestrians and digitally highlight those which are likely to step into the vehicles path and then emit an audible warning.

New materials are constantly brought into the automotive field, in 2005 Chrysler Daimler began using biological composite materials made from coconut, sisal, jute and other plants. This biological material is used mostly on the interior of the car and finds its way into seat cushions, seat backs, underfloor body panels and interior door panels. One of the benefits of using these biological compounds is that they can be recycled and reused and the manufacturing process involved is far more environmentally friendly than that of conventional synthetic compounds. Ceramics first used in braking by Porsche are becoming increasingly popular, although still very expensive limiting them to exclusive vehicles. The benefits of using ceramics is their high tolerance to intense heat making them suitable for high performance vehicles, and where the heavy use of the brakes is needed regularly. Their ability to perform under these extremes help reduce the brake fade associated with exessive use and high temperatures. Materials first such as carbon fibre and carbon kevlar first used on race cars and famed for their high strength and lightweight properties have now filtered down to the production car level, mainly in high-end vehicles but in due time these composites will begin to appear in the average car, cutting weight and increasing fuel economy whilst maintaining structural rigidity.

In the future car designers will have to explore new themes and find alternative influences for their designs. In an effort to catch peoples eye the designs will have to be increasingly bold and brash often sacrificing the aesthetic balance of the design in attempt to be different in an increasingly 'done before' market. This is not to say all designs are going to be hideous, just some. Another influence to exterior design will be made by law as stricter pedestrian protection laws are enforced requiring the front ends of cars to be 'softer', this thinking has already been introduced on some models, overall though it is difficult to project how this will ultimately affect the face of car design. With the increased use of alternative fuel sources such as the hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine, vehicle bodies may begin reflect the green nature of their power. However I belive this to be a mistake. The Honda Insight Hybrid might have been more of a success had it not been utterly repulsive, people were already wary of its power source and to then make them vomit in disgust at its styling is just not intelligent. Why do all the eco-friendly cars look like a 60's psychedelic nightmare, why can't they just look like a decent concept car with an alternative engine. Things seem to be improving however and BMW's H2R is an undeniably stunning vehicle if somewhat impractical. And hybrid technology is finding its way into mainstream prodution vehicles as an optional power source.

The interior of vehicles will also change, becoming more user friendly and personalised. Ergonomically positioned controls and lumbar support seats with adjustable everything will come as standard to increase driver and passenger comfort and reduce chronic pain and discomfort. Customisable and personalised interior space will also become desirable features on the future automobile. Just as you swap mobile phone covers an entire dash could be swapped to match your mood, if your a little bigger than average why not fit an XXL seat in two easy steps, the possibilities will be endless in order to cater for an increasingly demanding consumer.

Alternative power sources for vehicles are becoming ever more popular. Government incentives will eventually force all but the super rich into environmentally friendly cars, no problem, by then fuel cell cars will be just as rapid as their fossil fuel counterparts but with none of the mess or stench. However it may take some convincing to get a 'petrol head' to put down his piston and pick up a proton exchange membrane cathode, its just not the same is it. Eventually common conventional fuel cars will become classics and extremely sought after by collectors, but not for a long long time.

About the Author
dolly,I am a Website Promoter

March 24, 2008
Car Donation: Making The World A Better Place To Live
by Alex Baumm

Donating a car in favor of cause oriented groups is a great way to help many people who are experiencing difficulties in life. If you want to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of other people, then, the right decision is to make a car donation right now. Car donation helps young people who belong to underprivileged communities attend schools and achieve their simple dreams in life. Through the efforts of people who want to change the direction of lives of young children, many are given new hope in what seems to be hopeless situations.

Definitely car donation as a means of raising needed funds is one perfect idea and a major factor to attain this goal.

Funds raised through car donation also help families affected by natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. Usually, communities which were affected by these disasters find it difficult to start over again. In this respect, cause-oriented groups and their collective efforts become the light that guides families in their quest to find the right way to make a new beginning.

Car donation and funds generated from it also help people with serious sickness. Funds are used to provide much needed medicine and food so that they can get better. Funds through car donation also provide temporary shelter to people caught in cross fire.

Your decision to donate your car to charity not only helps other people as it can also help you at a certain extent. You can get IRS tax deduction and you can also find a way to sell your used car. If you are going to purchase a new car, donating your used car will allow you to skip the bulk of paper works that is associated with selling used cars.

Car donation is not only limited to second hand cars that work. You can also donate your car that doesn't work anymore. An auto donation company would be willing to tow it for you without paying any cent.

If you are interested, you can check various offers given by lots of companies engaging in car donation programs. They can easily be contacted online or by phone. These companies have their own websites so you will not have any problem if you want to ask them things about car donation.

Donating car for charity is something you should really consider when you are in the process of deciding where you should sell your used car. By donating your car to charity, you are actually giving new hope and life to people who have somehow lost the belief that there is still hope for everyone so long as we breathe.

Yes, you might loss some bucks in doing so but, remember there are things that money can't purchase and one of these is the feeling that you have just saved another person's life. Car donation program can really spell the difference that the world somehow needs in these trying times.

The world indeed can rely on people who have the desire to help in their simple and small way. So, come on... donate your used car today and make this world a better place to live in.

About the Author
Car Donation program can really spell the difference that the world somehow needs in these trying times. Find more info on Car Purchase at our Car Forum. Alex Baumm, administrator of a car forum.

February 25, 2008
Car Seats For Your Baby And Toddle
by James Brown

Car accidents have been known to be one of the main causes of deaths among teenagers and most especially children. This is the reason why parents should take extra care in making sure that their children are safe when they are inside a vehicle, whether it may be moving or parked. With this need for car safety for children, car seats were invented and introduced.

Over the years, car seats have grown to be more popular as more and more parents have taken caution and have recognized their importance. There is however different types of car seats available in the market and each one correspond to a specific child age group or where some opine it is the weight of the child that gives the more decisive basis for getting a type of car seat. It is important that parents know this in order to get the right car seat that is appropriate for their babies and their toddler.

For babies, the parents should get a baby car seat that is rearward facing. This kind of car seat can hold room for babies that are aged from birth up to 12 or 15 months, whose weight can be as heavy as 10 kilograms or 22 pounds until 13 kilograms or 29 pounds. Babies are more out of harm's way if they are protected as they are facing the rear of the car and cosseted by the seat. With a rear facing car seat safely securing them in, they are cushioned from the bumps and jolts that the stirring car may go through. The seat shields and supports the head, the neck and the spine of the baby. It is preferred to place this rear facing car seats in the rear as compared to placing them in the front of the car. It is advised to never place the seat in front when the car has a passenger airbag as this could suffocate the child; hurting them instead of keeping them safe. It is recommended that you use rearward facing baby car seats for as long as your baby can fit on it. You will know your baby needs to move on to a bigger seat if her head is as high or even higher than the crown of the car seat or if her weight is or has already exceeded the maximum.

As your child outgrows his rear facing seat, you need now to get her a forward facing seat. This type of seat can hold a toddler of 9 to 18 kilograms or around 20 to 40 pounds, whose age could be between 9 months to 4 years old. The important factor with forward facing kid car seats is the harness that keeps the child safe in place. This should prevent the child from sliding off or bouncing in front out of the chair in case there is a collision or if dad accidentally puts on the brakes too hard. Just the same, it is favored that this seat be placed in the rear and to keep your toddler in such a seat until his age or his weight tells you to move on to the next level.

About the Author
James Brown writes about Randall Scott Cycle Company promo code, Dunham's Sports key code and FogDog Sports coupon code.

January 11, 2008
Easy and Affordable Ways to Protect Your Car's Interi or
by Sarah

Now that you have plunked down some cash for your new car, it is but important to learn how protect your precious investment. Here are some easy and affordable ways on how you can protect your car's interior and preserve its top condition.

Window shades, or solar shades, are one of the most inexpensive accessories you can buy to protect your car's interior. Window shades provide shade for your dashboard and steering wheel thus preventing them from cracking due to extreme exposure to the sun. Also, window shades help keep your car's interior a bit cooler when you leave it parked in an open lot.

These collapsing and folding window shades come in different sizes, forms and colors. You will definitely not have a hard time finding one that matches your interior. These also do not require special keeping as you can only leave them at the back of your car and take them anytime you want to use them.

Floor mats are another inexpensive accessories you can get to protect your car's interior. Floor mats help keep the carpeting of your car clean and free from all the mud, stains, oil stains, dirt tracked in on the shoes of your passengers.

Just like window shades, floor mats come in different designs and colors. They are also made of various materials like carpet, rubber or vinyl. Finding the right floor mats that will fit your car's theme will not be hard. If you wish to be a little more creative, you can also find in the market floor mats with logos or cartoon characters printed on them.

Lastly, it is important to invest on affordable seat covers to protect your new car's seats. Using seat covers keeps your new car seats' upholstery from stains, rips or scratches. Nice seat covers also add to the beauty of your car. If your car is a bit older, seat covers will also help cover the car seats' defects.

If you taxi around kids or pets a set of seat covers will give you peace of mind. If anyone has an accident or spills food or drinks on your seats you can either wash them or quickly and easily get a new pair.

Car seat covers come in different colors, designs and prints. You can find seat covers from zebra and leopard patterns to solids and Hawaiian prints. So no matter what the model or color of your car, you will surely not have a hard time finding the right seat cover for your car.

These are just some of the basic and affordable ways to consider in protecting your car's interior. Still, there are many available accessories out there that you can buy for your car. Depending on your budget, you will surely have a collection of accessories that will not only add to the beauty of your car, but also will add longevity of its interior. The bottom line is, you must be wise in protecting your investment.

About the Author
Discover great deals on car insurance with ideal car insurance policy coverage. Save more time and money today with fast service, free rate plus cheap and affordable car insurance quotes online! Check out our great auto insurance deals at our Online Auto Insurance site.

December 18, 2007
Car Care Tips - How To Change Oil
by Jessica A

So you are really ready to do, you are really going to change your oil all on you own. Well,I say good for you! You can do it, it is so much easier than mechanics want you to think.

They like you to bring you car in so they can get you on all the other services they have. And these are services you can do yourself as well. Read on and discover how to change oil yourself.

You will need to go to your auto parts store to get 5 quarts of name brand oil. You also need a very high quality oil filter, don't use a cheap filter. To remove the oil filter you will need either an oil filter wrench or a metal strap wrench. Also get something to catch the oil with, preferably something that will seal.

Time to get to work. Check to see that you will be able to fit to work under your car. You might need to jack up the front some, best to have some supports.

Have a buddy there in case of an accident. First you need to remove your oil cap. Now to get under for the fun stuff.

Place the oil tray under the oil pan, directly under the plug. Remove the plug, this will be at the lowest point of the oil pan. The oil will drain out into your tray, it will take a few minutes.

When the oil is completely drained, go ahead and put the plug back in. Do not screw it in too tight. Now you want to move your drain pan under the oil filter. Oil will leak as you pull the filter out.

Using your filter wrench, you will want to turn the oil filter counter clockwise. Once it is loose enough, remove it using your hands.As I said earlier, there will be some oil that will come out.

Your new filter will have a rubber gasket. Coat the entire gasket with some of the new oil. This will keep it from sealing so tight that you won't be able to remove it next time.

Time to screw the new oil filter on using only your hands. Now you are ready to screw in the new oil filter. Turn it until it is tight. Now you can use your filter wrench to turn it another ¼ to ½ turn to seal it. You are done under the car now. Time to fill up with your new oil. You are ready to put your new oil in. You should use the entire 5 quarts.

Replace your oil cap and then start your car, let it run for about 5 minutes. After that, check your dip stick. You did it, you really learned how to change oil by yourself. With nice clean oil, you are ready to go.

About the Author
Save yourself money on your car maintenance by doing it yourself. Discover how at Car Care Tips.

October 5, 2007
Tips On Buying A Used Car.
by Saleem Rana

What are some useful tips on buying a used car?

Well, research would be a good place to start.

Suppose, you are looking for a used car. You look in the newspaper and find a car that you like at a price that you can afford from either a car lot or a private seller. It is not wise, although many people do it, to simply just pick up the phone, make an appointment, go visit the seller, and make an impulsive decision to buy it based on how it looks and appears to run.

People shirk research because they think that it's too hard. However, you can find out two really important things with some easy research: the best price for the car and its real condition.

How To Research Price

You can simply go online and view similar makes and models to get details on how much it's really worth. Some good places to visit can be fightingchance.com, autoweb.com, and autos.com. It's smarter and easier to research online rather than driving all over town looking at various price tags. Get at least three quotes for the car you're interested in buying. Not everyone is as honest as you may be, so never go to a car yard without doing your due diligence first.

Once you've done your homework, you're now in a much better position to pick up the phone and call the seller. If you do decide to see the car, you're also in a much better negotiating position. Other ways of researching price, besides the internet, include trading magazines, other ads in different newspapers, and visiting a few used car lots.

How To Research The Condition Of A Car

Your research should not only be on price. If you can look up the car's VIN or vehicle identification number, you can also look up its history. You can tell if its been flooded or in an accident by going to autofax.com or carfax.com. Sometimes, just looking at a car, it's not possible to see all the things that could be cleaned up by an automobile dealer.

It's best to be thoroughly organized about your car research, keeping a folder to store all the information that you find. Some simple precautionary research can save you from shelling out thousands of dollars for a lemon. They can also alert you on how to spot a really good deal when you find one.

These two tips on buying a used car are well worth the time you put into them. Research does not have to be hard. On the other hand, making an expensive mistake by not learning how to buy a used car can certainly be a hard experience.

About the Author
Saleem Rana has an audio book out that can help you save thousands of dollars on buying either a new or used car. You can find out more here: http://theempoweredsoul.com/carsecrets.html

September 11, 2007
Hybrid Cars: Check out the Tax Breaks.
by Floyd Dorrance

When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.

Hybrid cars are one of the latest innovations in the car industry today. Because of the rising cost of fuel, car manufacturers have integrated the hybrid technology in their cars. The concept of the hybrid engine technology is actually very simple to explain. Although hybrid cars still use fuel, it can efficiently save it. This is because the hybrid technology combines the electric motor technology with the gasoline engine.

With the hybrid technology, it allows consumers to save as much as 30 miles a gallon on fuel. The main advantage of hybrid cars is when the car stops or when it is running on idle mode, it automatically shuts off the gasoline engine. However, the car will continue running but it will run on the electric motor. Therefore, it saves a lot on fuel. Just imagine being stuck on traffic, with the hybrid technology, you will never waste precious and expensive fuel when the car is running idle. This is also the reason why hybrid cars are so quiet when it is stationary. When you step on the accelerator, the gasoline engine automatically turns on again.

Another reason why hybrid cars are now preferred by most people is that it emits lower levels of toxic emissions. This means that hybrid cars are environmentally friendly. Just imagine, if all people would start using hybrid cars, it wOULD lessen the emission of carbon monoxide. For this reason, it will effectively stop global warming.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I'm sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.

Because hybrid cars can both help in saving precious fuel and reduce the emission of toxic fumes, the government is now taking all the necessary steps to promote the hybrid technology. The consumer who owns a hybrid car can enjoy more benefits than you may imagine. Not only will they save a lot of money on fuel, and help produce a cleaner environment, but they can also enjoy tax rebates.

Back in 2005, the President of the United States signed an agreement that says that hybrid car buyers will be able to enjoy large amounts of tax relief. However, the amount of money you will save on the tax incentives will also vary on the hybrid car you purchase.

The first one you have to consider when getting a tax break is that it will depend on the fuel efficiency of the hybrid car you purchased when you compare it to a conventional car in the same weight class manufactured back in the year 2002. The more it saves fuel, the bigger the tax break will be.

The tax break imposed on a hybrid car will also vary on the amount of gasoline that the hybrid car can save in its total years of operation when it is compared to a conventional car in the same weight class. The more gasoline it saves, the bigger your tax relief will be.

It is a fact that hybrid cars can be expensive. However, just think about the long term benefits that the hybrid car can give you. If you calculate overall total expenses of a hybrid car and compare it to the total expenses of a conventional car during its lifetime, you will see that you can save more money on fuel. You will also save money on taxes. You will see that purchasing a hybrid car is definitely a good investment that all people should consider.

Not only will you be able contribute in producing a cleaner environment and save a lot of money on precious, expensive and limited supply of fuel, but you will also save a lot of money on tax rebates for hybrid car buyers.

Don't limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about "hybrid car". The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what's important.

About the Author
The author, Floyd Dorrance is a professional researcher of a variety of articles as well as a car buff since his teen years.

August 15, 2007
Auto Accessories Go Modern
by Oze Parrot

During earlier times, when a radio was fitted to an automobile it was considered to be an accessory and, in later years when it was fashionable to attach a fox tail to the auto's radio antenna, this was also considered as an accessory.

My, how times have changed. There are so many items that were once considered to be extras that are now fitted to an auto as standard equipment and considered to be essential. This does not include the fox tail which, of course has gone the same way as Davy Crockett's coonskin cap.

Today, the term, auto accessory encompasses a vast range of vehicle add-ons that vary from decals and pin striping to luxury items such as a cocktail bar, television or GPS tracking device. There are many outlets scattered throughout every city in the USA which, are stocked with a huge range of auto accessories that are suitable for almost every make and model of auto, truck and motorcycle.

There are odd times when the motorist spots an auto which, is the same make and model as his own, maybe the same color scheme even, but it looks outstanding. Why, you may well ask? Well, it is because of the selection of accessories and add-ons that have been chosen for this particular type of vehicle.

Accessories can make any vehicle look exceptional, provided that they are chosen wisely and are professionally fitted. A highly polished set of mag wheels that are designed for the vehicle, can set it off from the rest. Tinted windows, iridescent paint and decorative hood ornaments can also enhance a vehicle's visual appeal.

Of course, the regular application of a high quality polish will protect the paint work, keep the vehicle looking at it's best and retain the auto's original appearance. Attention should also be given to cleaning exterior trim items and regularly apply tire black to the tires and mud flaps.

As the public depends more and more on their autos for transport, they find that they are spending much more time inside their vehicles either commuting or enjoying recreational activities. This trend has increased the need for selective auto accessories, as motorists choose to add a variety of creature comforts to their autos, in order to make their commuting and driving tasks more enjoyable.

Auto barns and auto warehouses throughout the country stock a comprehensive range of accessories that include, not only tools, paints and spare parts but high performance surround sound systems that will allow drivers to listen to their favorite music, the latest news, their company reports or training CDs.

Commuting is not such a chore when your auto is air conditioned and equipped with cruise control, has plush seating that is fully adjustable and has an excellent sound system. Drink warmers or coolers are available, as is just about any conceivable device that will ad to the modern motorist's comfort.

Next time that you are passing by an auto accessory warehouse, pop inside and take a look around. You will be absolutely amazed at the quantity of merchandise that is available to make the average motorist's journey more enjoyable.

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July 9, 2007
How To Read Your Tires And Avoid Car Troubles On The Road
by Levi Quinn

Practitioners of traditional Eastern medicine have long used the tongue as a mechanism for diagnosing malfunctions in every part of the body. For your vehicle, a tire is as good as a tongue. Of course, wear and tear on your tires won't tell you much about the battery or other electronic components, but all sorts of suspension problems can be diagnosed simply by looking at the way in which the tires are wearing down.

Your tires may be worn in four basic ways. First, if there is simply too much wearing of your treads, yet the treads are wearing evenly on the entire width of the tire, as they should be, simply replace your tires. If you can see your tread bars - if there is wire or metal showing on your tire - you are long past needing to change the tires of your vehicle.

If you would like to keep a closer eye on your treads, you can perform a regular penny check by sticking Abe Lincoln's head into your tread where it is the lowest. If any part of the president's head is down in the tread, then your tires are all right.

If the treads are wearing unevenly, that can signal deeper problems with your vehicle. For instance, if the treads on only one side of the tire are worn, this can signal a need for wheel realignment. The very need for this realignment, however, can signal different things like worn ball joints or arm control bushings. Worn treads on one side may also indicate sagging springs, so this type of wearing means that someone competent should check your suspension system.

Wearing of inner and outer treads without wearing of the inner treads can be a sign of chronic under-inflation. However, if you have been using care to keep your tires properly filled with air using a tire pressure gauge, this type of wear may be a sign of a bent or worn steering component. Your wheels may also need alignment. If you consistently put too much air into your tires, you will get wear down the center of the tire. This wear pattern may also indicate that you've put enormous tires on narrow rims, in which case you can replace either the tires or the rims.

Other strange wearing patterns include feathering, which means that each tread becomes round on one side and sharp on the other. Experts suggest that you look for this pattern with your hand, as you will be able to feel the sharp edges before your tire's condition is visually apparent. Second-rib wear and cupping are other wearing patterns that indicate deeper problems, such as the wrong size of steel-belted radials and worn or bent suspension parts.

In order to keep abreast of these problems before they get too far and cause further damage to your vehicle, it is a good idea to get to know your tires by walking around your car and looking at them each day. You should also run your hand along their surfaces and do the penny tread test once or twice a week.

About the Author
Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips, instant auto insurance quotes and helpful car insurance advice.

May 22, 2007
The Top Ten Cars For Students
by Mike Bartley

While almost everyone wants a car, certain limitations restrict car buyers from buying their dream car. The price, of course, of a BMW for example puts it beyond the reach of most car buyers especially students. That is because of the fact that most students look for cars which are not only affordable but also gives them the highest value for their money.

In response to this, a list of the top ten cars for students is offered by cars.about.com, one of the leading online sources of auto information. The list is composed of cars which are known for their reliability, driver friendliness and, of course, price range which is within the reach of a student's budget.

Number one on the list is the Ford Focus ZX3 - the small car from the Dearborn-based contingent. The current Focus is now in its seventh generation and while it cannot match the technologically advanced features offered by other subcompact cars, the Focus is a great car to own. It has good fuel economy for its relatively small size. Another positive thing about the subcompact car is that it is easy to drive.

Currently, the price of the base model of the Focus is slated at $13,995. The car is equipped with a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that is capable of churning out adequate power for the small car. Its suspension setting is solid and gives its occupants a smooth ride on most road conditions.

Number two on the list is the Scion-Braun xB Rampvan. This vehicle is the right choice for disabled students. The vehicle, as the name suggests, is a Rampvan -meaning it is wheelchair-accessible. One advantage that the xB has over its competition is the relatively lower price. Not only is the xB Rampvan more affordable but it also consumes less fuel than its contemporaries. With the price of gasoline skyrocketing these past few years, the xB is a safe choice for disabled students.

Another practical attribute that the xB Rampvan has is that its ramp drops down from the back of the vehicle instead of being on the side. This means that the vehicle can be parked on a crowded parking without posing to be a problem for the wheelchair-bound occupant in boarding or leaving the vehicle.

The third vehicle on the list is the Honda Civic. The advantages of the compact sedan for students include its fuel efficiency. Aside from that, the Civic epitomizes Honda's reputation as a builder of reliable cars. Performance and driveability is also satisfactory. For the adventurous young drivers, the Civic is one of the best cars to learn tuning. Aftermarket parts can easily be added to the Civic such as Gibson exhaust pipes.

The Civic is also loaded with safety features which include the standard anti-lock braking system which reduces the risk of brake lockup in cases of heavy braking. During an unfortunate event of a crash, the Civic protects its occupants through the front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and, of course, the standard front airbags. In terms of construction, the Civic is designed to endure the impact if it collides with a bigger vehicle. In terms of affordability, the LX trim level of the Civic is reasonable for students.

Number four car on the list is the Hyundai Accent - the subcompact car from the Korean carmaker. Experts call it a "great first car" for young people. Like the rest of the cars on the list, the Accent is easy to drive with controls that are easily understood. Ride comfort and stability is satisfactory.

In terms of safety, it has front-seat mounted side airbags and a roof-mounted side curtain airbags. These safety features can protect the car's occupant from severe injuries in cases of crashes. The least expensive trim level of the Accent though is not equipped with an anti-lock brake system. But for the rest of the Accent lineup, the ABS is a standard feature. Price is sensible for young car buyers. High value for money is ensured by the long warranty that Hyundai is known for.

The Kia Optima is the fifth car on the list. It is bigger than the Accent but is pretty much on the same price range. Compared to the family cars produced by domestic car manufactures like Chevrolet, Ford and Chrysler, the Optima is a good choice in terms of its price. It offers good space in the cockpit and at the same time is equipped with safety features that one can find in a car priced relatively higher than the Optima. Owing to the fact that it is already acquired by Hyundai, the Kia Optima comes with a long term warranty that is hard to beat.

Sixth on the list is the award-winning Honda Fit. The Fit of today resembles the Civic of ten years ago. Since the Civic has been upscaled by the Japanese car manufacturer, the Fit stepped in to take its place on Honda's lineup for the United States auto market. Much like the iconic Civic hatchback, the Fit offers a good handling capability and the fuel efficiency to match.

One thing that the Fit has over the Civic hatchback is that it offers more space at the back. Priced lower than its European and American contemporaries, the Fit is also a good choice for students looking to own their first car.

Number seven on the list is the Pontiac G5. This coupe is one of the best looking cars on the list owing to the fact hat it comes from the same carmaker which came up with the legendary GTO. While the G5 may share its bloodline with America's first muscle car, it is priced sensibly. Fuel efficiency is exemplary and user-friendliness is outstanding. In terms of safety features, side airbags are listed as options and it is highly recommend that one should avail of that option.

The Suzuki SX4 is the eighth car on the list. While it is a Japanese car, it is priced similar to its Korean counterparts. Priced below $16,000, the SX4 is regarded as the cheapest all-wheel drive vehicle available in the market. For its relatively low price, the SX4 comes with a host of standard features which includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes and side airbags. For entertainment, the SX4 comes equipped with a CD/MP3 player.

Number nine on the list is the Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 comes in either a sedan or a mini-wagon body style. Being Japan-made, car buyers can be assured of its reliability. The engine lineup offers a 2.0-liter gasoline engine which has a fuel efficiency one can expect from a Japanese car. For those who want more power for the Mazda 3, a 2.3-liter engine is offered.

Rounding up the list is the immortal Toyota Corolla. This compact car has been available in the market even before students today were born. Considered as the best selling car of all time, the Corolla's charm and reliability are still present today. Fuel efficiency is good which is what one would expect from a Toyota.

About the Author
Mike Bartley, 49, is a professional automotive journalist domiciled in Irvine, CA. He travels from one state to another to cover the hottest auto shows, racing events and automotive revelations. His penned compositions cover press releases, reviews, and suggestions. Where the auto action is, that's exactly where you can find Mike.

April 2, 2007
Used Cars Need Insurance Too
by Jake Newberry

Automobile insurance is a tough aspect of life that many people would rather do without. They would rather do without auto insurance right up until the moment that their insurance covers the costs, or a large percentage of the cost, when they get into an accident. Insurance is designed to prevent against losses incurred as a result of traffic accidents, so it does its part to save the insurance holder and the accident victim a whole lot of strife. In the end, you will be glad you have automobile insurance.

Car insurance is one of those facts of life we would rather not discuss, but is just plain necessary. There are many kinds of coverages offered by car insurance companies. We are always looking for smart ways to save on our auto insurance each year. I have found that buying used cars is the smart way to buy a vehicle. One of the best reasons for buying a used car is to save a good amount of money on car insurance coverage.

If you drive a used car it is very possible that you are paying less money for car insurance. An insurance company bases much of your insurance rate on the value of the car, and the fact of the matter is, a used car is less valuable and therefore carries a lower premium with insurance companies. Some drivers of used cars choose not to carry comprehensive car insurance to save some money. They can do this because the overall value of their car is less than a brand new car, and fixing minor damage while the car was stationary is less devastating than a crash. However, collision insurance is a must for all drivers on the road.

Looking for cheaper rates many drivers are turning toward online insurance carriers. In fact, finding a rate online can be painless, reliable, and save money all at once. The accessibility of online insurance is convenient; being able to file a claim at any time of day helps with peace of mind after an accident. Online insurance companies take into account factors like: the type of car you drive, where you live, your driving record, and estimated driving habits; and they create a guaranteed rate right their on the spot and show you different options for coverage.

Along with looking online for automobile insurance, there are other things you can do to get low car insurance rates to come your way. The top tip that most experts offer is to shop around. Look online, offline and everywhere in between for the best low car insurance rates. Another idea is to make sure that all of the vehicles you will be insuring are located on the same policy. This is a good idea because it enables you to save up to or around ten percent per car through "multi-vehicle" discounts. An idea along these lines that some companies also offer is the "multi-line" insurance, meaning that if you insure your home and your car with the same company, you will end up with a discount on both pieces.

There are many opportunities to save money on your automobile insurance if you look in the right places. You can choose a higher deductible, for example, and save a good amount of money on your car insurance through that route. You can also drop collision altogether if you have an older car, enabling you to cut some fiscal corners and bring down your overall rate. The best option for saving money on your automobile insurance is, however, to not end up using it by driving safely.
About the Author
Jake Newberry sells for NuStar Motors, a used cars Sacramento dealer, which specializes in lifted 4x4 trucks and fast cars such as used Mustangs, Cameros, and Honda V-techs.

February 19, 2007
Car Warranty Basics
by Chuck Cox

A standard car warranty, which is often referred to as a basic bumper-to-bumper warranty, typically is good first 12 months of the life of a vehicle or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. During this warranty period, the repair of any defect or flaw because of an error in manufacturing or a failed part is generally fully paid and covered by the manufacturer. An extended car warranty would have to be purchased to extend beyond the basic warranty.

If the car manufacturer offers a power train warranty, then this power train warranty will become effective generally after the standard car warranty expires. These power train warranties generally protect the car owner against engine, transmission, and differential breakdowns as long as neglect or abuse of the vehicle by the owner has not caused the malfunction. Neglect such as not following manufacturer maintenance servicing schedules and requirements are most notably called into question. However, these power train warranty repairs are not usually totally free, you typically have to pay $50 or $100 for each of these repairs, which basically serves as a deductible. The time period that a power train warranty is valid wholly depends on the manufacturer. For lesser-priced model cars, the term is usually 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. As mentioned earlier, this power train warranty is beyond the standard warranty period. Power train warranties of many higher priced luxury model cars extend to 60 months or 88,000 miles, whichever comes first, and this is also beyond the standard warranty.

Throughout the auto industry, the basic time period of basic bumper-to-bumper warranties being used today have been three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Auto makers have gone to higher measures in recent years due to higher competition along with the fact that autos are of higher quality making the longer warranties more cost effective. As with anything else, some car manufacturers may be more generous than others. Your can always verify the warranty by referring to the warranty booklet of your car. To summarize, the difference between a standard car warranty and a typical power train warranty is that the standard one covers the entire car for a specified period, while the power train warranty covers the engine, transmission, and differential for an extended period.

A standard warranty will repair at no charge any defect or breakdown that is the fault of the manufacturer. Repairs conducted under a power train warranty are paid for on a shared basis with the car owner usually paying $50 or $100 for each repair, while the manufacturer pays the remainder. An extended car warranty would have to be purchased for additional coverage these two warranties.

About the Author
Chuck Cox operates several businesses and websites of interest to consumers.

January 9, 2007
Car Safety Ratings: What Do They Mean?
by: Andrew Dillan

Every car commercial tells you that their car has a five-star safety rating. Does this score really mean anything? What tests are being performed and who does the measuring?

The Organizations
In the United States, there are two organizations that score cars on safety ratings, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA is run by the Department of Transportation and is sometimes called the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) or the government five star rating.

Frontal Collision Ratings
The NHTSA gets its data by running a car directly into a wall at 35 mph. The IIHS does a different test, where the impact is offset, and not directly in the middle. The IIHS test does a better job of mimicking real-life accidents. While most cars do well in directly head-on collisions, most real-life collisions are offset.

The NHTSA scores with five stars. Five stars means that there is ten percent or less chance of injury. Injury is defined as something life-threatening or for which you will need immediate hospitalization. Four stars is between eleven and twenty percent chance of injury. Three stars is between twenty-one and thirty-five percent chance.

The IIHS score is not in a five star format. They rate a vehicle as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.

The NHTSA and the IIHS scores should be looked at in conjunction with one another. Remember, both these scores only rate what would happen if you collide with another vehicle the same size as yours. However, many crashes involve only one-vehicle, so these tests are useful.

Side-Impact Ratings
Again, the NHTSA and IIHS uses different side-impact tests. The NTSA crashes a giant beam into the side of a car and measures the shock on two male-sized dummies. They then make a star rating based on the chance of chest injury to the dummies. Five stars means less than 5% chance of injury, four stars is 6%-10%, and 3 stars is 11%-20%. They don’t gage the damage to the head in this star rating, but if they think that it is excessively dangerous, they will add a safety note to their report.

The IIHS uses dummies that represent adolescents or small-statured women. This helps assess the safety of people other than men in the car. They also use a larger beam. They score their rating based on injury to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and femur. This is arguably a more comprehensive test than the NHTSA test.

Rollover Ratings
The NHTSA is the only company that does Rollover ratings. Rollovers are often the most fatal type of accident. The NHTSA measures the chance of a car rolling with no external catalyst, and the chance of it happening for a reason (hitting a shallow ditch, hitting the curb, going onto the shoulder). 95% of rollovers are “tripped,” and have some external element.

Recent NHTSA testing has proven what we know about SUVs being much more likely to rollover than sedans or other cars.

Low-Impact Bumper Test
The IIHS performs a low-impact bumper test to see how much repairs would cost you if you gently hit something by accident. They rate the cars accordingly. Although this is not necessarily a safety rating, it will tell you what you can expect for possible repairs for your car and is something to keep in mind while purchasing a car.

When you shop
Considering the safety ratings of cars is important. But it is also important to know how these ratings are measured so that you can make the most informed decision about your purchase. Maybe you want your car to be cool, or to be functional, but most of all you want it to be safe.

About The Author
Andrew Dillan is the editor of http://www.theguideto-carloans.com, The Guide to Car Loans. If you are looking for a new car, find the best way to finance your purchase by checking out this informative site!

October 31, 2006
Diesel and Gasoline Engines
by: John Stafford

There has been a lot of debate concerning the environmental safety of the diesel engine versus the gasoline engine. In the past the diesel engine was a large polluter and was deemed to be very noisy and unreliable. This was one of the major downfalls of this engine design.

Today however it is seen that this is no longer the case. While the diesel engine continues to be more of a polluter than the gasoline engine in some aspects it is not as bad as before and in fact beats the gasoline engine on some fronts. The diesel engine has been greatly improved in terms of its efficiency and has reduced the oil consumption.

Due to the lowered per mile fuel consumption of the diesel engine it can be seen that the diesel engine releases less carbon dioxide than the gasoline engine. This is a vital point as the gas carbon dioxide is a great contributor to global warming. It is however seen that in terms of particulate pollution diesel engines are larger culprits when compared to the gasoline engine. They are also producers of smog forming pollutants.

These particulates are largely classes as soot particles and this falls into three major classes. These are particulate matter that is greater than 10 microns, particulate matter that is smaller than 10 microns or 10 microns and particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or smaller. It is a fact that these sizes can be related to the particular effects of these particles on humans.

The particulate matter that is greater than 10 microns is not as dangerous as it is ejected from the body by sneezing, coughing and nose blowing. Smaller particles settle in the windpipe and cause irritation and the particulate matter that is 2.5 microns is seen to settle in the lungs and cause serious irritation, mutation of tissues and many serious medical problems such as asthma and cancer. This therefore makes the issue of diesel pollution a serious and deadly one.

This means there will be more serious and tougher emission rules for the diesel engine to adhere too and the need for high tech diesel engines that use fuel that is low in sulfur. The benefits of this fuel may in fact however not be worth it as the production of the fuel will generate more pollutants.

There is however still a future for diesel as it will indeed have a role to play in the overall reduction of the production of greenhouse gases as well as oil consumption. The diesel engine will continue to be advanced but whether it will catch up to the technologies employed in the gasoline engines is a question that remains. The gasoline engine technologies in use have been ahead of the diesel engine in terms of air pollution and continue to remain ahead.

If the diesel engine can offer the same efficiency of the gasoline engine in terms of pollutants then it will be the engine of choice without any dispute. Until that time it continues to trail the gasoline engine even though it has better fuel efficiency.

About The Author
John Stafford is the webmaster and a contributor for http://www.diesel-generator-central.com and http://www.diesel-performance-pros.com.
http://www.diesel-generator-central.com offers experienced and professional advice to assist you in your next diesel decison.

March 20, 2006
What Exactly Is A Hybrid Car?
by Gray Rollins

We are all concerned about the environment and doing our part to take care of it. Of all the purchases we make, the purchase that will have the greatest impact on the environment will be the car we decide to buy. Hybrid cars are an affordable and innovative way to help protect our environment and benefit from the increased fuel mileage.

Only a few years ago talk of hybrid cars had consumers stepping back unsure; but today hybrids offer a practical choice for consumers, and more and more consumers are jumping on board.

A hybrid car has a small engine that is fuel efficient, which is combined with an electric motor that aids the engine when additional power is needed during acceleration. The electric motor gets its power from battery banks which continuously charge while you are driving.

Energy is conserved when you stop because the engine is shut off automatically. Then, when you apply gas, it automatically restarts.

The hybrid car also uses a more advanced aerodynamic lightweight body, and combines it with low roll resistant tires that are stiffer and narrower to help reduce drag.

In 2004, out of the 17 million vehicles sold there were around 80,000 hybrid vehicles sold. By 2005 that number had increased by 1.2% to 200,000, and it's estimated that by 2007 more than 400,000 hybrids will be sold.

There are several hybrids currently available in North America. They include the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, and the Mercury Mariner. There are also Hybrid SUVs available - the Ford Escape, the Lexas 400H and the Toyota Highlander.

The Toyota Prius holds 52% of the hybrid market with just under 108,000 vehicles. The Honda Civic is the next most popular with 25,000 vehicles.

Now that consumer support for the hybrids has arrived, auto manufacturers are increasing the pace at which they introduce hybrid models. In 2006, the Honda CR V SUV, Saturn Vue, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio are being introduced as hybrid models. In 2007 we will see the Toyota Camry, Honda Fit, Mazda Tribute, Chevrolet Malibu, and Nissan Altima; and 2008 will see the Ford Fusion and Mercury Millan available as hybrids.

And as an added bonus in the United States, consumers that purchase a hybrid will get a tax break. Those purchasing fuel-cell vehicles will get up to $8000 in tax breaks, and those purchasing alternative fuel vehicles that weigh less than 8,500 pounds get a $2500 tax break. It's a nice pleasant surprise!

If we had a crystal ball that could see into the future, there's a good chance that what we'd see 20 years down the road would be freeways, highways, and streets that were full of hybrid vehicles. In fact, it's likely that our gas guzzling vehicles of today are about to go the way of the dinosaur as more hybrid cars make it to market.

About the Author
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for NewHybridAutos.com. To learn more about hybrid cars and other hybrid vehicles, visit us.