div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/FootballCar.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – As the leaves fall and the cold weather approaches, everyone begins to feel a little football fever. Just like the greatest coaches check their …/div/div
Savvy Tips for Renting a Car
With friends and relatives renting cars while they visit and vacationers renting in sunny vacation spots, summer brings many people into car rental offices — some who might not have much experience car rental.
Rent-A-Wreck has some tips to help consumers get the right car and the best value:
• Research car rental companies before your trip. Find out what companies are in the area, their rates and their policies. Always ask for hours of operations and return policies. Many rental locations offer a key drop or off-hour returns, but don’t assume that all do.
Next Best Thing to Vacation: A Stress-Free Commute
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(NewsUSA) – It may be vacation time for kids, but most adults work through the summer months. Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends some commuting tips for everyone who is spending the summer driving to work instead of heading out on vacation:
* Keep Your Vehicle in Tip-Top Condition. It is important to keep your vehicle properly maintained. For example, check your tires regularly since they are the only thing connecting your vehicle to the road. You can check your tires’ tread depth with the “penny test.” Insert a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is worn, and the tire probably needs to be replaced. If you are not certain, have it checked by a tire professional. You should also have your automotive technician make sure that your tires are properly inflated and rotated. In addition, have them check under the hood to evaluate your vehicle’s other major systems. * Commute Comfortably. Wear shoes that are comfortable and safe to drive in — flat shoes with some grip on the soles are ideal. Make any adjustments to your seat or mirrors before you start on your way. * Don’t Be Distracted. Stay focused and do not multitask. Make your daily commute your “quiet time” for the day by turning off your cell phone. Even if your local laws do not require it, if you must talk on your phone invest in a headset so you can focus on the road. Make sure that you can still hear honking horns and sirens while using your headset. * Keep Calm. Consider leaving earlier or researching an alternative route to miss rush hour traffic, holiday traffic or bad weather. If you know that you’re going to be late, accept the delay. Slow down and keep your distance in heavy traffic. Unsafe driving habits such as changing lanes right before or after an intersection or in a school zone, not signaling before a turn, making illegal U-turns and other activities can put you and others at risk. If you are still facing the daily grind this summer, take the time to make your commute a safe and pleasant part of your day. |
Next Best Thing to Vacation: A Stress-Free Commute
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/StressFreeCommute.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – It may be vacation time for kids, but most adults work through the summer months. Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends some commuting tips for …/div/div
What Exactly is a Hybrid Car?
Even if you drive a hybrid car, you probably don’t know some basic facts about your car and what makes it work.
Hybrid cars use two separate engines for propulsion, usually an electric motor and a gasoline-powered engine. And while auto companies usually act as if hybrids are all the same, they come in three main forms: series hybrids, plug-ins and parallel hybrids.
Series hybrids use an electric motor to power a car’s movement – the gas engine just recharges the electric battery. In plug-in hybrids, the electric engine’s battery can be charged directly through an electric outlet. The car is propelled by the electric motor alone, and most plug-ins also include a combustion engine for battery regeneration.
Hybrid Cars Are Hot, But What Are They?
 NewsUSA) – Even if you drive a hybrid car, you probably don’t know some basic facts about your car and what makes it work.
Hybrid cars use two separate engines for propulsion, usually an electric motor and a gasoline-powered engine. And while auto companies usually act as if hybrids are all the same, they come in three main forms: series hybrids, plug-ins and parallel hybrids. Series hybrids use an electric motor to power a car’s movement — the gas engine just recharges the electric battery. In plug-in hybrids, the electric engine’s battery can be charged directly through an electric outlet. The car is propelled by the electric motor alone, and most plug-ins also include a combustion engine for battery regeneration. In parallel hybrids, the electric motor and the internal combustion engine can work both individually or in unison, powering the vehicle for peak performance. For example, Porsche, a company known for building high-performance cars, has developed two completely different hybrid systems — one for the racetrack and one for the road. The road-going vehicle, the Cayenne S Hybrid, uses an advanced full parallel hybrid design with the electric motor between the combustion engine and the transmission. The Cayenne S Hybrid, a high-performance SUV, is as fast as the V8-powered Cayenne, but is the most fuel-efficient version in the model line-up. The 47 horsepower electric motor is an ideal partner for the 333 horsepower supercharged engine, providing a considerable amount of high torque at low speeds. When working in unison, the two units deliver a maximum system output of 380 brake horsepower and a peak torque of 427 pounds per foot at just 1,000 revolutions per minute. Given a reserved, moderate style of motoring, for example, in a residential area, the Hybrid Manager allows the driver to cover short distances on electric power alone and therefore absolutely free of emissions, driving at speeds of up to nearly 40 mph. The combustion engine may be completely switched off at speeds of up to 97 mph, being fully disengaged from the drivetrain when no further power is required. In this so-called “sailing mode,” the drag forces exerted by the combustion engine are eliminated in the interest of lower drive resistance and fuel consumption. The Cayenne S Hybrid is the only hybrid capable of this driving mode. |
Time and Money Saving Tips for Your 2010 Tax Return
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/SaveTaxReturn.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will still benefit millions of workers, families and college students on their 2010 federal tax …/div/div
Hybrid Cars Are Hot, But What Are They?
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/WhatIsHybrid.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – Even if you drive a hybrid car, you probably don’t know some basic facts about your car and what makes it work.
Hybrid cars use two …/div/div
Make the Most of Your Next Home Improvement Project
Whether it’s the downturn in the economy or the increasing popularity of DIY television shows, one thing is certain; homeowners are tackling more home projects themselves. A lot of first-timers are learning new skills and using new tools so they can finish projects ranging from simple maintenance and crafts to room renovation.
Most DIYers will begin with the basics — a hammer, screwdriver and measuring tape — and will move onto air-powered tools and electric tools once they feel comfortable. For those looking for a cost-effective and efficient way to get the most from their tool purchases, the first step is to buy an air compressor.
The compressor is the heart of any air-powered system. Air compressors are available in a wide range of sizes and different air delivery capacities. It is important to match the size of the compressor to the types of tools and projects to ensure optimal performance.
While inflating tires, sports balls and air mattresses are the most common tasks performed with a compressor, this piece of equipment can help with so much more. An air compressor is so versatile because it powers a wide array of air tools that operate more quickly and less expensively than traditional power tools. Nailers, blow guns, spray guns, ratchets, impact wrenches and chisels are common air tools. They allow DIYers to more efficiently sharpen mower blades, remove lug nuts to rotate tires, paint furniture, build a deck or fence, install chair rail and crown molding, perform engine repair and more; the possibilities are almost limitless.
Campbell Hausfeld, a manufacturer and marketer of air-powered tools and compressors, has several models available designed for simple applications in the home, garage or workshop. They also offer units for more frequent use such as automotive, lawn equipment and small engine repair.
Air compressors require very little maintenance — users only need to drain the tank after each use to prevent condensation buildup. Discharging the compressed air from the tank is as simple as loosening a valve.
Regardless of the experience level or type of project, homeowners interested in getting more bang for their buck on their next home project should visit www.chpower.com to get started.
Are You “Under Pressure”? Don’t Ignore This Dashboard Alert
 NewsUSA) – Beginning with the 2008 model year, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now standard on all new cars in the United States, but many drivers don’t know about them. Often, drivers are first introduced to TPMS when the icon on their dashboard illuminates, signaling that the air pressure in one or more tires is low — potentially dangerously low.
On average, underinflated tires are responsible for nearly 700 vehicle crashes every day. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that, when all passenger vehicles are equipped with TPMS, the number of annual motor vehicle crash fatalities will decrease by about 120, and the annual number of injuries due to motor vehicle crashes will decrease by about 8,500. To help raise awareness about TPMS and the importance of proper tire pressure, Schrader, the pioneer and leading manufacturer of tire pressure monitoring systems, has created TPMSMadeSimple.com. This comprehensive site offers drivers key facts about TPMS, including how it enhances vehicle safety and why it is now mandatory on all U.S. vehicles. In addition to safety information, drivers can also find out how much money they can save with properly inflated tires and how proper inflation helps the environment. If your car is equipped with TPMS, the light will come on when one or more of your tires are at least 25 percent below the recommended inflation pressure. When this happens, take caution and: * Find a safe place to pull off to check your tire pressure. Keep a tire gauge with your set of emergency items in your vehicle. * If the light comes on while driving at highway speed, immediately grab hold of the steering wheel with both hands in case you are experiencing a blow-out (rapid deflation) scenario. Slowly decelerate to a safe speed and find a safe place to pull off to check your tire pressure. * Once checked, if the tires all appear normal, proceed with caution to have your tire pressure checked and filled to the proper tire pressure. This can be done at a gas station or tire service center. * If needed, have the problem tire or tires and the TPMS system serviced at your nearest tire service center. The TPMS light should go off within several minutes of driving on the repaired or re-inflated tires. Visit TPMSMadeSimple.com for more information about TPMS and the importance and benefits of maintaining proper tire pressure. |
