The Green Revolution

Feb 15, 2008 - The Hybrid Alternative

If you're not willing to drop $10,000+ for a new hybrid vehicle, there are still ways to help cut down on the harm your automotive endeavors cause.

1.) Avoid jamming down the accelerator. This sudden burst of force will cause the engine to call for more fuel, which will emit more fumes from the exhaust.

2.) Having your car running when idle increases the fuel consumption and releases more impurities into the air. Here is a hint; release the accelerator and coast towards upcoming traffic. While coasting, the traffic may begin moving again and you can avoid using the brake and being idle completely.

3.) Use your turning signals! It helps alert other drivers on the road and causes them to not have to use their brakes either; remember, you're not the only one on the road contributing to pollution.

4.) Don't drive so fast. Even decreasing your speed a little will decrease your fuel consumption.

5.) Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Running a car with below pressure tires will reduce the fuel efficiency and ultimately guzzle more fuel.

6.) Be sure to always use recycled oil when refilling your cars supply because even a little step goes a long way in terms of reusing and recycling.

7.) Regular check-ups are mandatory. The oil, tire alignment, air filters and all other vehicle components need to be in full working order, otherwise the vehicle will use more resources to function properly; this leads to more emitted pollution.

8.) If it is possible, always opt to walk, ride a bike or take publication transportation to work. If driving is necessary, become involved in a carpool.

9.) Park your car in the shade when it is hot out. The heat will evaporate some of your car fuel when left idle for an extended period of time.

10.) Remove the roof rack if you're not using it because it adds unneeded weight, and the more weight your vehicle holds, the more fuel it consumes.

11.) The use of air conditioning raises fuel consumption; it also employs harmful fluids and may add to car emissions. Try opening your windows for ventilation instead.

12.) Don't try to "top off"  your fuel tank because any fuel that spills turns to vapor and disperses into the atmosphere.

13.) Only fill up your tank when you have to. Every time that gas cap comes off, harmful fumes are released immediately.

There you have it; following any or all of these simple steps will seriously up your green rating. However, these are just a few of the many ways in which you can improve. Use these as a base to find out other ways to be more green.

1:53 pm | Categories: Comments (0) | Permalink | Alert Administrator

Add to:

Jan 30, 2008 - Elminate Pollution with the Car that Runs on Air

It’s a widely known fact that cars contribute to the numerous issues that pollute our air. Researchers have looked into many ways to improve this and have come up with some technologies over the years. Some of these include the hybrid vehicle, the hydrogen fuel cell engine and through educating the public on the dangers of greenhouse gases. Overseas, a new solution may have been found—a vehicle that runs on infinite resource of air.

Ex-Formula One engineer Guy Negre has developed the Air Car. This concept is being built by Tata Motors, India's leading auto manufacturer. This innovation uses compressed air to thrust the engine’s pistons instead of gas. This lack of combustion results in only pure air coming out of the exhaust pipe and causes no pollution; it also decreases necessary oil to about 1 liter of vegetable oil for every approximately 30,000 miles.

Before entering the engine the air is filtered by a carbon-filter; this leads to emissions that are cleaner than the average air we breathe. If that wasn’t enough, the emissions are sub-zero temperatures and can be used as a powerless air-conditioning system on one of those hot summer days.

The vehicle is composed of lightweight fiberglass, foam and hemp fiber that is glued together. The engine is made of aluminum, making this vehicle further lightweight. The interior has an on-board computer that house features such as GPS, emergency systems, internet, voice recognition, maps, traffic reports, entertainment and more.

The Air Car will be able to reach speeds as high as 68 mph and after “refueling,” it can go as far as 125 miles. Speaking of refueling, the Air Car can be filled up at any gas station with custom air compressor units. The process takes only minutes and only costs about $2.00. If you aren’t near any gas stations with this feature, you can plug it into any electrical source to power the built-in air compressor; this takes about three hours.

With Tata Motors in contract with MDI—Negre’s base company—the resource pool has spiked. These vehicles can now be mass-produced and is expected for release in the near future.

11:43 am | Categories: air car, hybrids, green, zero emissions vehicle, electric vehicle Comments (1) | Permalink | Alert Administrator

Add to: