Filed under: hybrid cars
Whether it is a Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, or Honda Civic, your hybrid needs regular maintenance to perform as expected and last throughout the life of your loan. There are several items that you can take care of yourself and avoid a cumbersome repair bill.
The first place to start is to know what needs regular maintenance. Try looking at a repair and maintenance manual from Bentley Publishers. These manuals include step-by-step directions, real-world practical repair and maintenance procedures, along with full color technical training. Why not take the mystery out of maintenance?
One oft overlooked part is the air filter. Nothing robs fuel efficiency like a dirty air filter. K & N filters offer racing quality equipment for improved air flow. The higher airflow rate can actually boost fuel efficiency by a small percentage. These filters are also reusable. Less waste and high quality in one product.
That takes us to the spark plugs. Pulse spark plugs have been road and lab tested to demonstrate their ability to improve fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide output by a quarter ton per year. Enough said.
With regular maintenance, it is not unreasonable to expect your hybrid to last for at least 200,000 miles. The last place you can afford to save money is in your car’s maintenance.
December 31, 2011
2012 Toyota Prius V
Toyota listened to customer feedback and built a larger Prius. The 2012 Toyota Prius V adds room in the passenger cabin as well as the cargo area, while offering the same performance as the hybrid that you have all come to love. Just like the previous incarnations of the Toyota Prius, the ride, handling, and fuel efficiency of your Prius V can be improved with a few after market modifications.
All three: ride, handling, and fuel efficiency; can be addressed by adding sway bars to your 2012 Toyota Prius V. Front and rear sway bars are made of high carbon content steel for rigidity and longevity, then powder coated for additional weatherization. These bars add rigidity to the chassis, which reduces chassis flex and reduces body lean during turns and lane changes. The reductions in sway and chassis flex allow you to have better steering wheel response and traction. When the car is able to hold the road more easily, the engine does not work as hard, thus saving fuel.
Adding a set of front and rear sway bars to your 2012 Toyota Prius V will not boost fuel efficiency over 60 mpg or make your car handle like a Ferrari, but will give you a crisper response and could realistically add 1-2 mpg.
December 20, 2011
Concept of 300 hp Toyota Prius
When was the last time anyone promoted the
Toyota Prius as anything other than an Earth friendly gas miser? Can’t remember? That’s because it has never happened before. The whole world is abuzz with the news that Toyota will be entering the SuperGT GT300 series with a Prius based race car instead of using the more logical GT 86 platform.
The planned 300 horsepower Prius will replace the current Toyota Corolla Axio that is running in the GT300 series. Toyota is expected to make its formal announcement in January of 2012. As of now, there have been no details released about the powerplant and drivetrain. Given that the stock Prius is known for its less than blazing 98 horsepower engine, it is easy to understand how extensive the makeover is going to have to be.
The Toyota Prius will not be the only hybrid vehicle running in the GT300 class. Honda announced its intention to field a CR-Z Sports Hybrid. 2012 maybe the year that hybrid vehicles stop having a negative connotation when performance junkies talk and race fans begin to show some due respect.
December 8, 2011
2012 Honda Civic
All some people may want for Christmas is their two front teeth, but for Civic enthusiasts nothing less than
Honda Civic parts will do. You have to realize that your family may know you are into your car, but that does not mean that they know what parts to buy you. Why not make a list of the Honda Civic parts that you are most interested in.
You may have to be subtle when you are dropping hints. Leave a catalog of Honda Civic parts open to something like a headlight assembly from Anzo. Don’t feel sheepish about circling it in red ink so whoever looks at gets the idea.
Another clear, but not so subtle, way to get the Honda Civic parts you want is to clearly and concisely mention them while your relatives are in the car with you. Say something like, ”Man, I wish I had those all-weather floor mats to keep the mud and water off my carpets.”
Then there is the hit ‘em over the head approach to getting the Honda Civic parts that you want. Walk up to them, hand them a catalog and say ”I want a hood protector for Christmas.”
You can chuckle as you read this if you want and maybe it sounds a little bit materialistic, but do you want another tie, some aftershave, or, even better, a new sweater?
November 30, 2011
2012 Honda Civic
In mid-2011 Honda CEO Takanobu Ito hinted that an all new Honda Civic hybrid and a plug-in hybrid concept would hopefully make it into production for the 2012 model year. Here is a quick glance at the most recent information about both.
The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid offers a 1.5L four cylinder hybrid engine that delivers 44 mpg in the city or on the highway thanks to the continuously variable transmission. It also features standard stability control, traction control, and side/curtain airbags. The base model has a decent amount of options. The base trim features 15-inch alloy wheels sitting on low rolling-resistance tires, outside mirrors with built-in turn signals, LED taillights, a rear spoiler and a 160-watt, six-speaker stereo. If you move up to the ”Leather” trim level, you get heated mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated front seats.
The plug-in hybrid concept is still a work in progress. Honda’s official site for the vehicle lists several aspects of the vehicle, but not an official announcement of whether it will be a CR-Z or Civic platform based vehicle. Whatever platform is chosen, the plug-in hybrid will allow for short, frequent trips in all-electric mode. Long distance trips will be powered by Honda’s 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline 4 cylinder powerplant. The vehicle will continuously move through three modes for maximum driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and an engine direct-drive mode. When in direct-drive, the engine will power the front wheels directly for better fuel efficiency at cruising speeds in excess of 62 mph. The effective all electric range will be 15 miles at 62 mph or less. Recharge time is going to be in the 2 hour neighborhood with a household 120V outlet or 1 hour with a a 240V plug. Commercial recharging stations can cut that time down to 15 minutes.
The Honda Civic hybrid offers a great fuel efficient alternative to the Toyota Prius and is a little more roomy. Hopefully, Honda will introduce its plug-in hybrid soon.
November 16, 2011
Given that your Toyota Prius V’s mpg is rated at 42 combined, it is hard to imagine that you can improve your car’s fuel performance by much, but it is possible. Here are a few aftermarket parts that can help you do just that.
One easy part to install is a performance air filter from K&N. The air filters allow a more direct airflow. This increases the amount of oxygen and decreases the amount of fuel fired by each piston during combustion. That translates into a cleaner, more forceful burn that requires less gasoline; therefore, improving your Toyota Prius V mpg.
The next part should be added by someone with experience repairing cars. This is an eco-tuner or throttle controller, whichever you choose to call it. This product is a replacement for the throttle chip in you car. Blitz offers a product that features four settings based on your needs. The fuel economy setting will add to you Toyota Prius V mpg, but lowers acceleration. There are other settings that will add accelerator response, but do not offer the fuel economy.
If you install both of these parts in your car, you can improve your Toyota Prius V’s mpg by as much as 10%. While an additional 4-5 mpg does not sound overwhelming, do a little math and you will see that you can save a tank of gas per month depending on the length of your commute.
November 10, 2011
2012 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is an iconic car in its own right. Well known and easily recognizable as it sits among other models. Still, many owners want to personalize their Camry. Here are three must have Toyota Camry accessories that will help you do just that.
Start with the wheels. A nice 16 inch alloy wheel can give your car a more aggressive stance while offering an improved ride. Be sure to buy a wheel that has Toyota’s stamp of approval and is marked as Toyota USA OEM.
Maybe you are not happy with the interior color of your Camry. Only one Toyota Camry accessory will do. The Toyota Camry dash kit will replace every possible aspect of your interior trim with a new color, or switch it to a carbon fiber or metallic trim instead. The carbon fiber and metal trims can be used on the exterior as well.
With snow and frigid temperatures on the horizon, this next Toyota Cary accessory makes a lot of sense. Installing a remote engine start is the only way to remain comfortable as much as possible. Remember to leave the heat on and you will not have to worry about cold seats and freezing until the heater catches up.
There are dozens of other Toyota Camry accessories that you can choose from if these do not meet your needs. Just be sure to buy OEM equipment when possible.
October 19, 2011
2012 Chevy Volt
The
Chevrolet Volt debuted last year amongst a great deal of fanfare. Some of the advertising around the car was intentionally vague, leading some consumers to believe it was a pure electric car. Not so. The Volt is a plug-in hybrid which allows it to have a greater all electric range and higher speeds with the gasoline engine engaged.
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is capable of 25-50 miles on pure battery power before the inline 4 gasoline engine takes over. When that happens, it is able to reach speeds in the 100 mph range. The car has an effective range of 300 miles between a full tank of gas and the battery power. The gasoline engine powers the car’s generator for the most part, but, under extreme needs, will directly power the wheels.
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt features a lower MSRP, an updated keyless ignition/entry, and the MyLink system, which provides Bluetooth streaming audio and voice control over the audio system and your cell phone. Again this year, the Volt does not have standard side body moldings. That leaves your $32,000 car an easy victim to dents and dings everywhere you go. The right Chevy Volt body side moldings could protect your resale value.
The major knock against the 2012 Chevrolet Volt is the price tag. At $32,500 for the base model, and realizing that a home charger is a necessity, the new Toyota Prius PHV may be a better economic decision.
October 12, 2011
Fisker Karma
The Fisker Karma is built around the notion that a car could be produced with sustainable products, achieve high fuel efficiency, and still deliver
power and style. Three years after its concept debut, the Karma is on the verge of delivering on every front.
Building with as many sustainable components as possible is a main goal of Fisker. To achieve that goal the Karma uses zero fuel for the first 50 miles of every trip and all of the interior trim is made of sustainable materials and eco-friendly composites. The roof is a series of solar cells, the body is aluminum, and the bumpers are plastic. All recyclable materials.
Enough about the sustainability of the Fisker Karma. How does it perform? It is powered by a 260-hp GM four popper that powers the generator. Like a Nissan Leaf, the Karma only uses electric power all the time. The gasoline engine only serves to power the generator. The generator in turn supplies power to twin AC motors that saddle the rear axle, delivering 402 horsepower to the differential. If you turn on the ”sport” mode, the gasoline engine engages along with the battery power and you can run a smooth 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. Unfortunately, the Karma is build for fuel efficiency over top speed, so the initial burst is not sustained.
The Fisker Karma is designed to obtain in the 90+ mpg area in full electric mode and 38 average mpg with the gasoline engine running. No definite numbers have been released by the EPA yet. The initial run of the Karma will be limited and each car will cost $100,000. There are already 3,000 pre-orders for the Karma. Fisker is planning a second model, the Nina, which will be more affordable and designed to reach a wider buying market. Still, the Fisker Karma stands as an important milestone in the green car industry.
October 5, 2011
2012 Toyota Prius C concept
Way back, oh, about 10-12 years ago, a new concept was released. The Toyota Prius offered the best in class fuel efficiency that many Americans could not live without. Over the ensuing years the Prius remained true to its original concept, improving on fuel efficiency and adding a few comforts here and there. The
2012 Toyota Prius has been revamped and a few siblings have been added to the family.
2012 Toyota Prius V
The Prius V is a wagon version of the Prius. It is 6 inches longer and three inches taller than a Prius hatchback. It also has a longer wheelbase, which seems to improve the comfort of the ride. This version offers 44 city/40 hwy mpg. The downside could be its higher MSRP, but you will regain most of that difference at the pump.
2012 Toyota Prius PHV
The PHV stands for plug-in hybrid vehicle. Toyota is the logical company to merge plug-in technology with a hybrid car. The PHV is capable of driving 13 miles without use of the gas engine, unless you hit the pedal too hard. According to official reports from Toyota, the PHV lacks the acceleration of the other Prius models. It has a 0-60 of 11.3 seconds compared to 9.8 for other versions.
2012 Toyota Prius C
The Prius C is aimed directly at crowded urban markets. It is scheduled for launch in the spring of 2012. It is smaller than a standard Prius by 20 inches, but offers greater fuel efficiency and a lower price tag. Toyota is being close-lipped about the exact numbers on mpg, but estimates the Prius C will come in around $19,500.
The 2012 Toyota Prius is a whole lot more than your mother’s Prius was ever intended to be. Toyota has added safety features as well as creature comforts. This may be the end of the image that a fuel efficient car is cheaply appointed.
September 29, 2011
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Whether it is a Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, or Honda Civic, your hybrid needs regular maintenance to perform as expected and last throughout the life of your loan. There are several items that you can take care of yourself and avoid a cumbersome repair bill.
