Over the next several weeks, my plan is to try to explain the many types of alternative energy vehicles available - or in the development stage - and to try to show the benefits of each. I will try to look at the costs of each type in comparison to similar conventional fuel vehicles and try to give you an idea whether this type of vehicle is right for you. I will also try to explain some of the drawbacks of each type of vehicle.
When you hear the word “Hybrid,” most people think of a vehicle with a gas engine and an electric motor, but what most people do not realize is that there are a number of different sub-groups and types of hybrids. Even in the gas/electric models, there are a number of different operating configurations.
When the term hybrid vehicle is used, it most often refers to a Hybrid Electric Vehicle. These encompass such vehicles as the Saturn Vue, Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h and 450h and others. A petroleum-electric hybrid most commonly uses internal combustion engines (generally gasoline or diesel engines, powered by a variety of fuels) and electric batteries to power the vehicle. There are many types of petroleum-electric hybrid drive trains, from Full Hybrid to Mild Hybrid, which offer varying advantages and disadvantages.
Henri Pieper in 1899 developed the first petroelectric hybrid automobile in the world. In 1900, Ferdinand Porsche developed a series-hybrid using two motor-in-wheel-hub arrangements with a combustion generator set providing the electric power, setting two speed records. While liquid fuel/electric hybrids date back to the late 19th century, the braking regenerative hybrid was invented by David Arthurs, an electrical engineer from Springdale, Arkansas in 1978-79. His home-converted Opel GT was reported to return as much as 75MPG with plans still sold to this original design, and the “Mother Earth News” modified version on their website.
The plug-in-electric-vehicle (PEV) is becoming more and more common. It has the range needed in locations where there are wide gaps with no services. The batteries can be plugged into house (mains) electricity for charging, as well being charged while the engine is running.
Continuously outboard recharged electric vehicle (COREV) given suitable infrastructure, permissions and vehicles, BEVs can be recharged while the user drives. The BEV establishes contact with an electrified rail, plate or overhead wires on the highway via an attached conducting wheel or other similar mechanism (see Conduit current collection).
The BEVs batteries are recharged by this process -on the highway - and can then be used normally on other roads until the battery is discharged. Some of battery-electric locomotives used for maintenance trains on the London Underground are capable of this mode of operation. Power is picked up from the electrified rails where possible, switching to battery
power where the electricity supply is disconnected.
This provides the advantage, in principle, of virtually unrestricted highway range as long as you stay where you have BEV infrastructure access. Since many destinations are within 100 km of a major highway, this may reduce the need for expensive battery systems. Unfortunately private use of the existing electrical system is nearly universally
prohibited.
Hybrid fuel (dual mode) some electric trolley buses can switch between an on-board diesel engine and overhead electrical power depending on conditions. In principle, this could be combined with a battery subsystem to create a true plug-in hybrid trolleybus, although as of
2006, no such design seems to have been announced.
Flexible-fuel vehicles can use a mixture of input fuels mixed in one tank - typically gasoline and ethanol, or methanol, or biobutanol.
Bi-fuel vehicle: Liquified petroleum gas and natural gas are very different from petroleum or diesel and cannot be used in the same tanks, so it would be impossible to build an (LPG or NG) flexible fuel system. Instead vehicles are built with two, parallel, fuel systems feeding one engine. For example Chevy’s Silverado 2500 HD, which is now on the road, can effortlessly switch between petroleum and natural gas, and offers a range of over 650 miles.
While the duplicated tanks cost space in some applications, the increased range, decreased cost of fuel and flexibility where LPG or NG infrastructure is incomplete may be a significant incentive to purchase.
While the U.S. Natural gas infrastructure is partially incomplete, it is increasing at a fast pace, and already has 2600 CNG stations in place. With a growing fueling station infrastructure, a large scale adoption of these bi-fuel vehicles could be seen in the near future. Rising gas prices may also push consumers to purchase these vehicles. When gas prices trade around $4.00, the price per MMBTU of gasoline is $28.00, compared to natural gas’s $4.00 per MMBTU. On a per unit of energy comparative basis, this makes natural gas much cheaper than gasoline. All of these factors are making CNG-Gasoline bi-fuel vehicles very attractive.
Some vehicles have been modified to use another fuel source if it is available, such as cars modified to run on autogas (LPG) and diesels modified to run on waste vegetable oil that has not been processed into biodiesel. Next week we will discuss the different engine
configurations in the standard hybrid vehicles we are used to seeing, and if space permits, some exciting new technology.
If you have a question for Joe Mechanic, email the author at JoeMechanic@autolocator.com.
This week’s recalls:
42,696 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control in
these vehicles may intermittently become inoperable
when the vehicle is started, preventing the windshield
defroster from working. The inability to turn on the
windshield defroster may decrease the driver’s
visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
14,909 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
Equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat feature. The wiring
harness for the power seat may contact the seat
frame which may chafe the harness. If the harness is
chafed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit
could occur, resulting in unintended movement of the
seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under
the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
15,500 2007-2008 Hyundai Entourage and 79,867
2006-2012 Kia Sedona
In northern states, the front lower control arms may fracture due to corrosion
resulting from exposure to road salt and water. A
fractured control arm can result in the loss of control
of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
If you own one of these vehicles, contact your dealer for further instructions on what to do.
Each week we will bring you a variety of content on the new Auto Locator blog! You will find tips, trends, tidbits and news that are relevant to the automotive industry. Additionally, we will publish the column, "Ask Joe Mechanic," that appears in the weekly print version of Auto Locator from the previous week.
If you have topics and ideas that you would like to see covered in our weekly posts, please let us know. Either by commenting on this blog or by emailing us at info@auto-locator.com. Your feedback and participation with this blog is important to us and we desire to offer you the material that is important and relevant to your automobile shopping, vehicle care and any other aspect of automobile ownership or leasing.
You'll note that a LOT of content was posted to the blog in the past few days, if you have been following our posts. What you'll find in these recent posts are all of the back-issue columns of "Ask Joe Mechanic." Any column that has run since the creation of this weekly feature of Auto Locator is now available for your online reading pleasure. If you have any questions for the author of the column, please post them or contact "Joe" by email.
We look forward to riding the road together, with you the reader, as we build this new blog in the weeks and months to come.
Thank you for your continued support of Auto Locator, we appreciate your loyalty and patronage!
Everyone has bad habits, it is just our nature. Some are harmless such as biting one’s fingernails, but others can be quite harmful, such as smoking. But we also have habits when it comes to driving, and some of them can be harmful to our vehicles and costly to our wallets. Here are a few bad habits that if corrected, can add miles to your vehicle life and put dollars in your vehicle expense account.
Running on empty. Fuel costs are still high, even though they have dropped recently, and many of us try to get every last mile out of a tank full. While it may feel good to get an extra day or two out of that last fill up, the toll that it takes on your car can be a large one. The sediment in gasoline settles to the bottom of your tank, and when your gas runs low, the car must use this dirtiest gas as its fuel. As that happens, this sediment gets stirred up and
drawn into the fuel system. Yes, your fuel filter is designed to catch this, but some very small particles will slip through. What does slip through will get into your injectors and start to block the tips. Also, your fuel filter is now getting blocked with this junk, meaning you will need to replace your filter sooner than normal. Another thing to consider is that in winter, moisture will condense from the air in the tank and this can freeze up your fuel line on a cold
morning.
Jack-rabbit starts and hard braking. For some drivers, especially those living or working in cities, stop and start driving is a fact of life. For others, the way they stop and start puts a lot of unnecessary stress on their vehicles. Drivers who enjoy accelerating and then stopping quickly between lights may like the adrenaline rush it provides, but their vehicles do not like it. Neither does their wallet. Frequently flooring the vehicle first of all wastes expensive fuel and also puts a heavy strain in the motor. And all that heavy braking puts a lot of excess wear on the vehicle’s braking system, prematurely wearing the pads and possibly warping the brake rotors. Instead of the hard starts and stops, smoothly accelerate and anticipate
stopping. Your engine, brakes and your wallet will appreciate it.
Revving your engine. Fans of the film franchise “The Fast and the Furious” may love to rev their engines just like their favorite movie stars. But in real life, such actions are pointless and potentially very harmful to their vehicle. This is especially true when a vehicle has just been started and the engine is still cold. Revving the engine while still cold means the engine oil has not been properly circulated throughout the engine and this can result in
serious premature engine wear. If continually done, you will end up either with a very expensive repair bill for your engine or a bill to replace it with another one.
Another thing to consider with all the turbocharged and supercharged engines on the market is the stress and wear this puts on those parts. Most turbocharger manufacturers recommend about a minute warm up, especially in cold weather, before putting the car in gear and pulling out. Additionally recommended from these manufacturers is that after any sustained run, give the engine about 30 seconds at idle before shutting of the ignition to allow the turbocharger to cool slightly and give it fresh lubrication.
Remembering these few simple tips can add miles to your vehicle’s life and save you significantly at the gas pump.
This week’s recalls:
344,187 2007-2008 Honda Odysseys:
Due to a combination of system
components and software, the Vehicle
Safety Assist System (VSA) may apply the
brakes unexpectedly. Result: The vehicle
may suddenly and unexpectedly brake
hard, and without illuminating the brake
lights, increasing the risk of a crash from
behind.
2,618 2012-2014 Ford Focus Electric
Because of potential loss of power to
the wheels while driving, caused by
software anomalies associated with the
power control module and is accompanied
by a “Stop Safely Now” warning in the
instrument cluster.
176,000 2012-2014 BMW 320i, 328i, 320i
xDrive and 328i xDrive Sedans, as well
as the 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagon;
2012 and 2013 528i and 528i xDrive
Sedans; 2013-14 X1 sDrive28i and X1
xDrive28i vehicles; and 2012-14 X4
sDrive28i Roadsters.
Models involved in the recall all have turbocharged four-
cylinder, 2-liter gasoline engines. Because
of insufficient lubrication to a vacuum
pump, it can lose the power assistance in
braking. The driver can still stop the car in
the event of a loss of power braking, but it
will take more force on the brake pedal.
Most of us have had to deal with a flat tire at sometime in our years of driving. They usually occur at the most inopportune time, such as when you are all dressed up or you are on your
way to work. Others happen when it is raining or snowing or it is blazing hot or freezing cold. Imagine never having to deal with a flat tire again! Sounds too good to be true, but it is. You will be happy to know that run-flat tires have made their way to the market and are now available for many vehicles and are standard equipment on some.
Although run-flat tires have been around since 1994, they have only recently become available for many vehicles. There are two basic types; self-supporting tires (SST) and
patented auxiliary support tires (PAX). Both are designed to support the weight of a vehicle for 100 miles, some more, and allow drivers to continue down the road safely until they can get to a shop to have repairs made. SSTs rely on heavily reinforced sidewalls to support the vehicle’s weight, while PAXs rely on semi-rigid support rings.
Run-flat tires do offer many advantages, most important of all being the convenience of not having to worry about changing a flat tire. You can leave that to the repair shop. They also open up the space that housed the spare tire, jack and lug wrench to be used for other things. Vehicles with run-flat tires have tire pressure monitoring systems to warn the driver of a deflating tire. This reduces the risk of a blowout, but it also lets you know if the tire is a few pounds low and needs a little air, which will help you save gas. In case a blowout would
occur, these tires handle the sudden deflation much better and will help you retain control of your vehicle.
Because this technology is still fairly new, there are still some problems. Run-flat tires are heavier, yes there is some weight saved by no spare and tools, but not as much as the weight difference over regular tires. Some people who have had run-flat tires report that they do not wear nearly as long as conventional tires. They also cost more and are not available at all tire shops. In many cases they can be repaired, but you must find a shop
with the expertise and equipment required to service them.
As run-flats become more commonplace, many of these problems will undoubtedly be worked out. In the meantime, consumers may want to weigh the pros and cons ofrun-flats before purchasing a vehicle equipped with them. Definitely, before you make that purchase, get as much information about the tires and their cost and reliability.
Recent recalls
802,769 Toyota Avalon, Venza, Camry, and Camry and Avalon Hybrids, 2012-2013,
Air conditioning drain can block causing water to back
up and leak into the air bag module,
possibly causing it to short out. This
could cause the air bag to either
inadvertently deploy, or else fail to
operate at all.
29,000+ Harley-Davidson, 25,185 touring motorcycles and 3,861 Custom Vehicle Operations and Trikes built between May 3 and Oct. 14, 2013 (2014 models).
Some of these motorcycles may exhibit a condition in
which the hydraulic clutch system may
lose the ability to generate enough lift
to disengage the clutch.
If you think you are affected by any of these recalls, contact your dealer or the manufacturer for further instructions.
We all know that there are lots of hazards that we encounter everyday during our travels, but at this time of year there is another one added to the mix that we must be prepared for. Most of us have encountered at one time or another a deer running across our path. At this time of year, that frequency and danger multiplies due to a number of reasons that people need to be aware of.
First of all, this is the time of year known as the “rut” or mating season for whitetail deer. At
this time of year, deer are not thinking as clearly as they have something else on their minds. They will run carelessly into your path, especially if they are being chased.
Added to that, there are a lot of people in the woods this time of year. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders can disturb a resting deer. But the biggest disturbance to their habitat is hunting. We are in the midst of archery and muzzleloader season and after Thanksgiving comes rifle season. Also, farmers are harvesting their crops so the cornfields where they feed are being disturbed.
Deer are most likely to move from shortly before dark to shortly after sunrise, but at this
time, with so many other factors, you can encounter one at almost any time. Also, daylight savings time ends this weekend so this means that many people will be commuting to and from work at the deer’s peak times for movement.
When a deer has crossed the road, do not just figure that you are safe, does often travel in
groups, many times in single file. Also, a pursuing buck could be following a short distance behind. So, if you see one, the odds are better than 50/50 that there will be another close by.
Damage from hitting a deer can often add up to thousands of dollars, especially depending on the type of vehicle that you drive. Another thing to consider is that with sporty cars with a
low, sloping front end, the deer can actually be thrown up over the front and into or through the windshield which can cause very serious injuries or even be fatal.
If you do hit a deer, you are not required to call the Game Commission. If the deer dies, only a PA resident is allowed to claim the carcass. To do so, you must call the Game Commission office in the county where the accident occurred and an agency dispatcher will record the required information to issue you a free permit number which you should write
down for proof of reporting. You must call within 24 hours of claiming the deer.
A passing PA motorist may claim the deer by following the same procedure if the person who hit the deer does not want it. Antlers from any buck that is hit must be turned over to the Game Commission.
Something very important to remember is that if the deer is injured but not dead, do not approach it, as an injured deer, especially a buck, can be very dangerous. However, if the deer does not move on and is creating a dangerous situation, report the incident to the
Game Commission office or other local law enforcement so that it can be dealt with. Always
remember that your and other driver’s safety is most important.
Recent recalls:
210,228 Suzuki Motorcycle Models. 20042013 GSX-R600 and GSX-R750, and model
year 2005-2013 GSX-R1000 motorcycles
With older brake fluid, corrosion of the brake piston
inside of the front brake master cylinder
generates gas that may result in a reduction of
fluid pressure transmission to the front brake.
As a result, front braking power may be
reduced increasing the risk of a crash.
23,000 Ford 2012-2013 Focus Electric vehicles and 2013 C-Max
Vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Access Push Button Start
System. There is no audible chime when the
vehicle is operational and the driver’s door is
opened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(FMVSS) No. 114, “Theft Protection and
Rollaway Prevention.” Without an audible door
chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and
exit the vehicle without being reminded that the
vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle
susceptible to theft.
151,695 Nissan and Infiniti. 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder
Vehicles manufactured April
18, 2012, through September 20, 2013; model
year 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured
September 15, 2011, through January 16,
2013; and model year 2014 Infiniti QX60
vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013,
through September 20, 2013. In the affected
vehicles, during light braking on rough roads,
the antilock brake system (ABS) brake pressure
output software may lead to an increase in
stopping distance.
3,594 Audi 2013-2014. Audi S6 and S7
Vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines. Due to
manufacturing tolerance issues, a fuel line may
leak fuel. A fuel leak, in the presence of an
ignition source, may result in a fire.
1,120 Audi 2013-2014. Audi A8 and S8
Vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof,
manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15,
2013. These vehicles are equipped with a
standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.
Should the sunroof’s glass break while the
vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure
the driver or passengers. It could also distract
the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
10,474 Mitsubishi 2008-2013. Lancer Evolution
Vehicles manufactured from
December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In
the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder
can fail. Failure of the clutch master cylinder
reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out
of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
If you think you are affected by any of these recalls, contact your dealer or the manufacturer for further instructions.
As we soon approach the time (hopefully not too soon) that we will begin to experience winter weather, one needs to brush up on their winter driving. We already covered getting your car prepared for winter, but it is also important to prepare yourself for everything that winter can throw at you.
The first thing to do is preparation. Now is the time to get all the things ready that you should have in your vehicle just in case you have a problem this winter. If you live in an area where winter can strike early and hard, such as around Hazleton as I have experienced, all of these items can prove of great importance, and in extreme cases, could mean the difference between life and death!
A winter survival kit should include; a snow shovel (collapsible ones are handy and do not take up much space), a scraper/ snow brush, tire chains if you travel in an area that gets a lot of snow, a flashlight with extra batteries, a bag of cat litter, sand or salt in case you get stuck, jumper cables, flares or an emergency triangle, and a bright colored cloth to signal for help. Your should also have a tight sealing container in which you pack candles, matches or lighter, bottled water and snacks such as energy bars. And, some of the most important things, mittens or insulated gloves and a ski mask, a sleeping bag or blankets, first aid supplies, and any prescription medications for at least 2 days including diabetic supplies and a fully charged cell phone.
I know this list sounds extensive and maybe a bit extreme, but it is much better to be over prepared than to get stranded and possibly not see help for a couple days such a man from Pine Grove a few years ago who was on his way home from work on RT 501 just a few miles north a Myerstown who got stuck and his car sat completely buried on the roadway in a drift for three days until he was rescued.
When you experience bad weather, it now becomes important to use common sense. As soon as roads become slick, slow down and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. If someone insists on following you too closely, pull over when safe and let them pass. One important fallacy that many fall victim to is that I have a 4WD so I do not have to worry. Yes, 4WD definitely gives you more traction and gets you moving better, but, most 4wd’s are heavier vehicles and that extra weight will actually increase braking distances on slick roads. Also, on ice, 4WD actually can be more tricky while under power and stopping. Giving extra room not only allows you more chance to stop, but if the vehicle in front of you or an oncoming vehicle has problems, you have more time and space to take evasive action.
If you find yourself in a skid, there are a number of things to remember and to consider depending on the situation. If the rear wheels are skidding, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction that the car is sliding. If the front wheels skid, take your foot off the gas, shift into neutral and allow the car to slow itself and then start to apply light braking and steer in the direction you want to go. Even an expert can sometimes have trouble recovering from a skid. Snow tires can aid you in snow, but they will not make much difference on ice
unless they are studded.
Should your car break down or you become stuck, there are some very important things to remember. If you are able, try to get your car safely off the road surface. Put out flares or the warning triangle to make yourself visible to other drivers. If you are stuck, you can then try to shovel yourself out, use some of your abrasive material for traction and see if you can rock yourself free. If you are unable to free yourself, make a call for help, but do not over use your phone to retain its charge. You can run your engine for heat about ten minutes every hour, but leave a window open slightly for ventilation and always keep snow clear of your exhaust to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Use your blankets or sleeping bag to keep warn and ration yourself on your snacks and water so that you do not exhaust your supply. Also, remember that you can eat snow for your thirst, but not too much at once as this can lower body temperature. And, make sure its not yellow!
Remember, some prior preparation, and use of common sense may prevent a very dangerous situation from developing.
What tips can you offer for winter driving preparedness that weren't already covered?
