Archives for October 2012

How Can I Tell If My Car is Flex-Fuel Capable?

October 31, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

Cars that are flex fuel capable are vehicles that can run on either straight gasoline or an ethanol blend. An ethanol blend is fuel that consists of up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, or what most of us know as E85 fuel. Not all cars are flex fuel capable and some owners may be surprised to know that they own such a vehicle. If you are not sure whether you drive an FFV, there are five ways to confirm this.

1. Inspect you gas cap. Most car manufacturers of flex-fuel vehicles use yellow gas caps on FFV models. GM initiated this practice in 2006 and other manufacturers have been following suit since 2008. In addition to the yellow cap, you may see E85 / Gasoline printed on the surface of the cap.

2. Check out the fuel door. Pop open the fuel door of your vehicle and you may seen a label identifying what types of fuel your car can take. If you see “E85,” then your car is flex-fuel capable. With some cars the label may be on the outside surface of the door.

3. Look at the body. Manufacturers typically like to boast that a car is flex-fuel capable. You may find various badges on the side and rear of the vehicle with designations such as “FFV,” “FlexFuel,” and “E85 Ethanol” present. FFVs have been around since the early 1990s — some older vehicles may not have badges present.

4. Open your owner’s manual. If you are not familiar with your owner’s manual, then sit down and open it up. Find the section that talks about fuel. If your car is an FFV it will note this as it mentions the different types of fuel your car takes such as regular grade gasoline and E85.

5. Check the Vehicle Identification Number. Yes, that 17-character alphanumeric sequence found on your dashboard and other areas of your car can tell you whether you own an FFV or not. Thanks to the great work of the North Carolina Solar Center, that information can be deciphered. Most FFVs have a special 8th VIN character designation that confirms this information, but sometimes another character is used. Check out the NC page to learn about your car.

FFV Facts

Cars that are fueled with E85 enjoy a slight boost in performance. However, your fuel mileage will drop by about 25 to 30 percent, a reduction that is not always offset by a similar lower price. E85 pumps are sometimes difficult to find too with greater concentrations in the midwest and other corn-growing regions of the country.

(See Also — Fuel Types and Your Car)

When Should You Tune Your Car?

October 28, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Most car owners leave the engine diagnosis to the pros.

Today’s cars are sophisticated pieces of machinery that make use of such advanced technologies as direct injection, electronic ignitions, onboard computers and numerous sensors. Vehicles from the 1970s and earlier routinely required a tune up once every two years or within 20,000 miles, with spark plugs replaced, the ignition and carburetor timing adjusted, and the ignition contact points, rotor and distributor cap replaced.

Engine Diagnosis

Beginning in the 1980s, as cars came equipped with electronic ignitions, the process began to change. Today, your car is less likely to be due for a tune up as it is for a complete diagnosis, with your mechanic hooking your car to a computer to obtain a read out on how your car is performing. The goal here is to ensure that your car is running optimally and that exhaust emissions are within required parameters.

Your car still needs to be checked and maintained, and your owner’s manual will outline that information. When taking your car in for service, your mechanic will replace spark plugs, spark plug wires, sensors and modules as needed and that work should take place within your manufacturer’s allotted frequencies, typically ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.

Trouble Spots

Because modern cars start and run with ease, you can just as easily forget to perform required maintenance, especially anything beyond oil changes. That, of course, is a mistake and can lead to problems.

Typically, you will first notice a problem if your gas mileage begins to drop. You may be driving the same amount of miles, but your intervals between service station visits begins to close. Also, if your car stalls or hesitates, there is a good chance that a spark plug is worn or fouled, or a sensor needs to be replaced. You save money by putting some space between “tune ups,” but the repairs can add up whenever an oxygen sensor or an electronic component acts up. If you are lucky, your problem could be battery related and easily resolved.

Shop Evaluation

Many car owners simply no longer work on their vehicles. Typically, they cite the complexity of today’s sophisticated cars as well as a limited amount of time available to do the work. Thus, if you entrust your vehicle to a mechanic, keep a few things in mind:

1. Your car may be covered. Some manufacturers provide free maintenance for the first few years of ownership. BMW, for example, provides standard maintenance for the first four years or 50,000 miles. The Toyota Care program is for two years or 25,000 miles. If your manufacturer has you covered, then take your car to your dealer’s repair shop.

2. Know what you want checked. Besides the engine diagnosis check mentioned earlier, you will want to work with a mechanic that will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your car. This can include its air-conditioning and cooling systems, its battery and charging system, brakes, steering and suspension, the electrical system and he may also make a check for fluid leaks.

Your Cost

Certainly, you will pay more for a diagnosis that is not covered under your manufacturer’s maintenance plan than you would for a basic tune up. However, by staying on top of maintenance, you can avoid pricey repairs, helping your car to run more efficiently too.

References

Pro Car Care: Tune-Up Procedures

Mobil Oil: New-Age Tune-Up

See Also — Why Does My Gas Mileage Vary?

Replace Your Timing Belt, Avoid Engine Damage

October 27, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

A destroyed engine will cost you thousands of dollars to replace.

One of the most significant wear items on your car is its timing belt. When this belt is working properly your engine is operating as designed, but If your timing belt suddenly breaks your car will stop. Moreover, you might incur engine damage and in a worse case scenario you may need to replace your engine. Replace your timing belt within your manufacturers prescribed maintenance intervals and avoid a breakdown and a potentially costly repair job.

About Timing Belts

Also known as a timing chain or cam belt, a timing belt is tasked with turning the engines camshaft. Essentially, the timing belt keeps your engine in sync by providing timed motion between the camshaft and the crankshaft.

The crankshaft changes piston linear energy into rotational energy that is used to turn the wheels. The camshaft is tasked with opening and closing the engines valves to bring gas and air into the engine and out again. The timing belt enables two divergent components camshaft and crankshaft to do what they do together. When your belt breaks, your car will stop.

Replacement Intervals

Your manufacturer plainly states in your owners manual the replacement intervals for a timing belt. You may have heard mileage numbers ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Mechanics may recommend that you change it once every four to six years, even if you have not reached the mileage threshold. Made of rubber with high-tensile fibers, a timing belt can wear down from use as well as from age. Ultimately, you will want to schedule a timing belt replacement before your manufacturer says that it is due.

When replacing a timing belt, your mechanic may recommend that you also replace the tensioners and idlers that hold the timing belt in place. If either part is worn or loose, it could cause your replacement timing belt to fail soon after it has been installed. Thus, a timing system replacement that includes the belt, an idler and a tensioner may be the best approach here.

And while you are at it, you may want to have the water pump replaced while your mechanic is working in the same area. You will pay more for a complete timing system replacement and a water pump change out, but you will save on labor when your pump eventually does fail.

Possible Damage

One area of possible concern for car owners is the type of engine that they have. Yours is either interference or it is free running and the former can cause you much trouble if the timing belt suddenly breaks.

Quite possibly, an open valve could be hit by a piston in motion, damaging your engine internally. If that happens, you will need to be towed to a garage and have your belt replaced. If your mechanic detects engine damage you are looking at a possible engine replacement, costing you thousands of dollars to fix.

References

How Stuff Works: How Timing Belt Replacement Works

Gates: Timing Belt Care Spring/Summer

See Also — Should I Repair or Replace My Car?

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

What to Look for in a New Tire Warranty

October 22, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

Are you shopping for new tires? This can be a good move on your part, especially if your current tires show signs of wear or have simply been on your car longer than six years. If you buy two tires, your tire installer will place these on the rear of your vehicle regardless of your vehicles drive axle, a safety move recommended by tire manufacturers. If you buy four tires, you can typically strike a better deal as many retailers and manufacturers offer specials including a price reduction for replacing all four tires. For instance, that special could mean $70 off of a set of four new tires or buy three tires and get the fourth one free.

When buying new tires, you will be presented with a limited warranty. Not all warranties are the same and you should know what coverage is being offered beyond the purchase and installation of new tires.

Tread Wear Warranty

A tread wear or tread life warranty is typically offered across the board by tire manufacturers. For instance, if your tires are rated to last for up to 70,000 miles and wear out at 45,000 miles, then you may qualify for a credit toward the purchase of new tires. Expect that an age limit will be present too you may receive no credit if your tires are old.

worn tire — A tire that is ready to be replaced.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your credit is typically only good for the purchase of tires from the same manufacturer. Thus, if you have Michelin tires and these tires wear out ahead of time, your credit may be applied to new Michelins only. Your original retailer, however, may allow you to claim credit to buy another brands tires, but that is at the discretion of the shop.

Rotations and Balancing

Your new tires should be rotated at least once every 6,000 miles to a maximum of 8,000 miles. When purchasing new tires, you may be offered a tire service installation special that includes lifetime rotations and tire balancing. Typically, you will be charged a fee per tire, such as $20 each or $80 for four new tires. These plans are usually worthwhile, and you can recoup your cost after just two tire change outs. Within five years you can save $200 or more choose this option if you expect to keep your car for several years.

Some service plans also include flat-tire repair. Here, you bring your damaged tire to your retailer for repair and have it mounted back on your car. This plan may not cover you if you are far from home, unless you buy your tire from a chain such as Pep Boys, Advance Auto or Wal-mart. In this case you should be able to bring your car to a local store anywhere.

Flat Tire Changing Assistance

Not all manufacturers offer this feature, but if your tire goes flat within the first two or three years after installation, you may qualify for roadside assistance. Typically, you will be offered a toll-free number to call in the event of a flat, with a service professional dispatched to your location to swap out your flat with your fully inflated spare. Always keep a working spare handy, otherwise this assistance is worthless to you.

Your Responsibilities

It is important for consumers to take good care of their tires. Monthly tire inspections can help, with tires inflated to car manufacturer recommendations.

Tires should be rotated and balanced on schedule, and worn tires replaced when there is less than 2/32 inches of tread remaining. You can perform the Abe Lincoln penny test to determine wear. Also, many tires come with wear bands or wear indicators that reveal when your tires need to be replaced.

Tire Considerations

How important are tires to your car? Very much so! Tires are the only thing that separates your car from the ground and tires that are in good shape can certainly help you keep your car under control. A set of four new tires can cost you from $400 installed, a small investment for a vehicle that is worth many times that amount.

GM Invests $35 Million For Cadillac ELR Plant

October 16, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Cadillac ELR Coupe — This stylish coupe will be made in Michigan.

The Chevrolet Volt will soon be joined by an upscale cousin. The Cadillac ELR, a svelte coupe that is based on the Cadillac Converj concept, will go into production in late 2013. This car will be built at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant in Michigan, a manufacturing facility that will receive a $35 million upgrade to handle production of the extended-range Cadillac ELR.

Keynote Speech

GM announced its investment at the SAE Convergence Conference in Detroit today. Mark Reuss, General Motors North America President said in his keynote address, “The ELR will be in a class by itself, further proof of our commitment to electric vehicles and advanced technology. People will instantly recognize it as a Cadillac by its distinctive, signature look and true-to-concept exterior design.”

The sleek Cadillac ELR will be powered by an electric propulsion system that features a T-shaped lithium-ion battery, an electric drive unit and a four cylinder engine. That engine is expected to be different from the one used in the Chevrolet Volt. Indeed, although the two models share many of the same technologies, the bodies will be strikingly different. The ELR’s interior will be unique too from the roof liner to the dashboard and down to the floor panels.

Customer Base

GM has yet to announce pricing for the ELR, but this car will seek to capture a customer base that includes current luxury car buyers as well as electric vehicle enthusiasts. Volt currently retails for about $40,000 and ELR is expected to top $60,000. Cadillac has not released production goals for this vehicle yet.

Along with the ELR, Cadillac is in the midst of its most aggressive new model line rollout ever. For the 2013 model year, both the XTS and ATS were introduced. A new version of the Escalade is up next and both the CTS and SRX will be updated soon thereafter. Its compact ATS line will most likely expand too, perhaps including coupe, convertible and wagon models to effectively compete against the BMW 3-Series.

GM is also moving Cadillac global and has tasked Robert E. Ferguson with the job of leading Cadillac. Ferguson reports directly to GM CEO Don Akerson. Cadillac is gaining sales in China and is increasing its presence in Europe. Look for GM to match Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in global reach, with the ELR included in that effort.

Michigan Plant

Detroit-Hamtramck will continue as the sole operating facility for GM’s extended-range electric vehicles. Along with the Cadillac ELR, the plant produces the Chevrolet Volt, the Holden Volt and the Opel Ampera, the latter vehicles exported to markets in Australia and Europe respectively.

Concept Jeeps: The Crawl of the Future

October 8, 2012 by Hank Choi 1 Comment

Jeep Concept Vehicle — Classical Jeep styling cues in a pickup truck frame.

A concept Jeep J-12 with heritage good looks.

Reviewing this year’s Jeep Safari Moab concepts, we turn our lens towards the J-12 Concept from Mopar, a pickup truck that may also answer the consumer call for diesel-powered models. The Jeep J-12 Concept strikes a rare balance of classic and avant-garde styling that most concept vehicles are unable to achieve. Its trim and powertrain boast truly innovative thinking in automotive design and manufacturing.

At one glance, off-road enthusiasts and the uninitiated both will recognize this vehicle’s quality in craftsmanship.

Crawl Features

Jeep and Mopar are not only looking at different lifts and axles, but also have varying configurations in mind for the hood, heat displacement, exterior colors and interior fabrics. The concept Jeep is outfitted with Chryslers 3.6-liter V-6 engine, the same motor found in virtually every larger Chrysler product built today. Jeep fans have long been begging for a diesel, but so far the answer has been unclear at best with European customers given a 2.8-liter diesel four for the Wrangler. At the Moab event, Jeep officials hinted that a diesel option was possible perhaps even for this Wrangler-derived concept.

The 2012 Wrangler Unlimited serves as the baseline for the J-12, its frame extended 18 inches to allow for a 6-foot long truck bed, while reserving space for the spare tire under the bed floor.

As an acknowledgement to classic Jeep Gladiator series enthusiasts, Jeep’s design team created a custom hood and front fender flares for the J-12. Mopar also ramped up the J-12’s off-roading capabilities with the exciting addition of the new Mopar 3-inch suspension lift kit, as well as Teraflex sway bars controlling ARB air-locker equipped Dynatrac D-44 and D-60 axle assemblies. And the J-12’s classic 36-inch tires mounted on 16-inch steel Jeep wheels gives it phenomenal traction over the gnarliest of terrains.

Superior Interior

And Jeep knows that it is important to hit those gnarly Moab patches in comfort and in style. The J-12 concept’s cabin has been designed with a minimalist approach in support of a basic truck theme, with a rugged truck bed liner replacing the interior carpet. The bucket seats have been fashioned into a modernized bench seat, trimmed in a unique, original red and white plaid pattern. A Mopar fuel-filler door, Mopar slush mats, Tom Woods custom driveshafts, and Katzkin seat trim complete the J-12 concept Jeep.

Concept or Reality?

Like most concepts, the J-12 may never see the light of day. However, enthusiast feedback has been very positive with message boards lighting up with build this now! remarks. Given that the entire Chrysler Group is on a roll, it seems possible that Jeep will someday make the J-12 concept a reality.

See Also — The Benefits of a Good Winch

Photos courtesy of Chrysler Group, LLC.

How to Buy New Tires for Your Car

October 7, 2012 by admin 4 Comments

Save money by shopping carefully for new tires.

You have been driving your car for three or four years and have noticed that your tires are showing signs of wear. Regular rotations and the occasional realignment have kept your tires in fairly good shape, but the miles have piled up and tire age is another consideration. If you plan to keep your car, then you need to get new tires. You may be able to get away with just two tires, but with retailers offering deals on a set of four, an all-around replacement may be your best choice.

Keep in mind the following considerations when shopping for new tires:

1. How long you plan to keep your car. If you plan to keep your car for another year or two, then opt for tires with a 40,000-mile tread wear. You’ll save money over tires with a tread life of 60,000 to 90,000 miles, and will offer the next buyer or dealer good tires that won’t negatively impact your cars resale value.

2. The kind of driving you do. The best bet for tire shoppers is to choose all-season radials, regardless of whether you live in Florida or in Minnesota. Such tires provide superior grip and can handle light winter driving weather conditions. Some tires are also better for performance cars. For instance, summer tires enhance handling, but are not very good with traction. Other tires offer a more comfortable ride, but aren’t great for cornering. Your tire service professional can show you a variety of tires, each with benefits for the type of ride you want.

3. Exchange size for size. Your car came off of the assembly line outfitted with certain tires that are best for your vehicle. Although you may have room to get a different sized tire (and wheels as well), you would do best to stick with the tire size you already have. Check your tire’s sidewall and take note of the code that is printed on it. For instance, you will see something like this: P185/60R14 82H. The P tells you that it is a passenger car tire. The first three numbers (185) gives you tire width in millimeters, the 60 represents its aspect ratio and the R is for radial. The 14 is the wheel’s diameter and the 82H represents its load index and speed symbol. You will find other information printed on your tire too, but the code is of greatest importance.

4. Shop for new tires. Shopping around can save you a bundle on new tires, but please know this: manufacturers really would like for you to replace all four tires and will usually offer incentives when you buy a full set. Those incentives typically include a rebate that you can apply immediately to your purchase price and may range from $50 to $70, sometimes more. Essentially, you’re buying four tires, but are paying for three. Prices vary from retailer to retailer so check newspaper ads, look online and call around for quotes.

5. Consider a service plan. New tires come with a warranty and that means if your tire wears out early or is destroyed, the manufacturer or retailer will offer a pro-rated price on the old tire to apply to the purchase price of a new tire. Consider a service or protection plan if it delivers benefits you determine are worthwhile including free tire replacement, free rotations, one or more free front-end alignments and safety checks. You’ll pay for the plan, but it might prove worthwhile to you.

Tire Considerations

Follow manufacturer guidelines on choosing the right tires for your cars. Rotate your tires on a regular basis and always keep your tires properly inflated. Proper inflation numbers can be found on the inside door jamb of the driver’s door or in your glove box. Use these numbers and not the numbers found on the tires. And don’t forget the spare — one of your older tires could be an ideal replacement for an aged or worn out spare.

See Also — Not All Truck Tires Are Created Equal

Nissan Expects to Deliver a $3,000 Datsun

October 4, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Budget brand will target emerging nations.

Until the early 1980s, Nissan was represented in the U.S. by Datsun alone. By 1984, the transition to its global Nissan name was complete and the Datsun name gradually faded into history. Today, it is all Nissan with the Infiniti brand representing Nissan luxury.

Datsun Revival

Datsun In March 2012, Nissan announced that it was reviving Datsun in a bid to harness a trusted name while delivering a budget vehicle. We have now learned that the new Datsuns, destined to serve emerging nations, will retail in the $3,000 to $5,000 neighborhood, according to the Wall Street Journal. That price puts Datsun within Tata Nano territory, a car that has been sold in India since 2008.

The new, low price comes in at less than half the price of its current lowest-price Nissan model, a Tsuru compact that retails for $8,000 in Mexico. The bare-bones new model will likely represent the first of six Datsun vehicles to hit the market beginning in 2014, helping Nissan to reach out to poorer consumers. Those consumers are generally carless, although in India many families pile onto a motorbike to get around.

Money Maker

Selling a $3,000 car and making money off of each sale will present a huge challenge for Nissan, even if the automaker is able to build Datsuns where labor costs come at the lowest rates. Tata has managed to build a car that sells from 1.75 million rupees or $3,334, but the rising costs of materials in recent years has turned a $2,000 car into a more expensive proposition. The Nano has had some safety issues including the occasional fire that sends drivers and passengers fleeing. The Indian automotive website, Carzy, has been tracking and detailing these incidents, for a car that is not living up to sales expectations. Nissan will want to serve up a car that is safe, building confidence in consumers and hopefully building loyalty in the process.

An earlier Datsun model, once sold & much loved in the USA.

Another area that should concern Datsun fans is the impact that any new models might have on vintage Datsuns. An orange 1971 Datsun 240Z had recently attracted more than 25 bidders on eBay, with its price pushing past $7,000. As long as new Datsuns never grace American roadways, the prices for classic Datsuns should hold up.

Competing Brands

Datsun will compete with Tata and a handful of other budget brands that are largely unknown outside of their markets. Don’t expect Toyota and Honda to follow suit especially if the cost of materials continues to rise. It is one thing to build a budget car and something entirely different to do so without draining company resources.

Wikipedia file photo picture.

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