Cars Brains Work Behind The Scenes

By Brad Pinkerton

Did you know that there are computers in your car? If you did know, do you know what the computers in your car do? Do you know why cars have evolved to include computers in them?

Cars have come a long way since the first car rolled off the assembly line way back in history too far for any of us to remember. With most new advancement in the comfort of a car comes a need to have a new computer in the car, or at least a new sensor that will relay information back to a computer. Cars continue to become more and more complicated as new computers and sensors are added to them.

Some things that are monitored by the sensors and computers in cars today include oxygen sensors for improved emissions, air pressure sensors for safety and fuel mileage improvement, air temperature sensors so that we can know what the temperature is outside (I?ve never been sure why we needed that one), engine temperature sensors to signal problems when they occur, throttle position sensors to control fuel and air flow for emissions and performance and knock sensors to warn of potential serious problems before they get worse.

This is only a few examples of the sensors on your car. There are many others with each designed to relay information back to the computer that can then relay the information to you on the dash. Your auto mechanic can also then hook up to the cars computer to get more specific data that will enable them to diagnose accurately and quickly the problem so that it can be fixed.

All car computers are designed and installed for different reasons. All of those reasons can boil down to some general categories. Those categories include: our comfort, the handling of the car, the emissions of the car and the performance of the car.

There are 2 main computers on every newer car. The engine control module (ECM) controls everything pertaining to the performance and emissions of the engine. The power control module (PCM) controls everything relating to the handling of the car.

The engine control module is by far the most common computer found in cars. This is in large part, a result of a desire to improve the emissions of vehicles and the impact that they have on the environment. It also came about because of a demand to increase the fuel mileage of cars for the same underlying purpose of the environment.

In the end, all of the car computers work in the background and make for a better ride and more efficient car. The only trouble that the computers pose is that they become and extra part to fix in a car. However, when it comes to cost savings and the extra comfort and benefit to the environment that is gained because of the computers, it is well worth any potential costs. This is especially true since they do not have problems very often. - 21392

About the Author:

An engine control module and other car computers have been around for many years, but they continue to improve as the get better for better results from our cars get better. There is no question that cars have evolve with the use of computers. Safety, efficiency, and comfort have continued to get better as more computers and sensors are invented.

How Alexa and Google Pagerank can Help You Find a Better Car

By Jim Carlton

Although I use the internet throughout the day to update myself on news and to identify good deals on cars for sale, until recently, I was unaware of several tools that could actually help me make more informed searches and decisions. I found it annoying that several of the top results in Google were actually lower quality auto classifieds than those on the second and even third page with car advertisements not being posted for several days at stretch. But then I asked a friend of mine for help and soon discovered the wonders of using Alexa and Google Pagerank together.

The first thing I did was get the latest version of Firefox, an absolutely fantastic browser. The speed improved, I could conveniently view different sites on different tabs and could reopen the same tabs every time I reopened my browser. Even if my computer shut down on its own. The next thing I did was download and install Alexas website ranking and the Google Pagerank toolbars.

Alexa is a renowned service for ranking websites globally on their daily traffic. The higher the number of visitors the higher the ranking. The statistics are displayed at the bottom of the browser in the form of a graph and numerical ranking and alongside each website in the search results on Google in the form of a green bar. You can roll your mouse over the bar to see the actual ranking.

The Pagerank toolbar displays a score between zero and ten for each website, calculated using a variety of aspects like the traffic, high ranking sites that link to it, how long the website has been around for and the frequency of new content updates. Unlike Alexa, which awards a unique daily rating, several websites can achieve the same Pagerank, with ten being the best score attainable.

Once you're done installing and familiarizing your self with these tools begin searching. Type in the most apt keywords like used cars on sale and your search results now actually have meaning. I filter sites in the search results based on the Alexa rank, clicking sites within a ranking of sixty-to-seventy thousand. I then explore each site to see which ones rank higher n Google. I now have a great resource that lets me find the best deals available with fresh offers for all kinds of cars on these different websites.

The benefits of using this technique of searching are not limited to the sale and purchase of cars alone. It can be used for all your searches. You get results that are both fresh and reliable. I would recommend you try it right away especially of your looking for good deals on the internet. - 21392

About the Author:

Jim Carlton writes on discovering the web and saving cash on deals found on the internet. To purchase a Suzuki, Honda, Toyota for Sale visit Good Deal Hunting free classifieds.

All You Need To Know About Water Fuel Cell Kit

By Alexis Jameson

Water fuel cell definition- It is important to understand exactly what water fuel cells are, before we can give consideration to water fuel cell kits. A water fuel cell can be defined as a device with perpetual motion, used during motor vehicle retrofitting.

Design purpose- The purpose of the devices' design is to permanently substitute gas with water as fuel source. A water fuel cell separates water into two main components- hydrogen aka water and oxygen. Hydrogen is the most important ingredient to the water fuel cell kit recipe, as it's the hydrogen that gets burned during energy generation which in turn sets your vehicle in motion.

Operations basics- Fuel cell kit operation consists out of a couple very simple to follow steps. Place the device in direct sun or bright lamp light. Bubbles will start to form and accumulate in the electrolyser and water test tubes. Keep an eye on the electrolysers' KOH levels as to ensure fluid levels stay constant. If there is a fluctuation in fluid levels, pure, clean water can be added tube marked as FC Water test tube, should electrolyser hydrogen fluid level rise. Its absolute essential that measurements of various fluid levels in the electrolyser be checked regularly and refilled accordingly. It takes a maximum of ten minutes for air purge into system to generate enough power to make fan spin. Fan should be left to spin as long as sun is shining.

No hassle tubing- Special, no hassle Anti-Siphon tubing will keep fluids in place, eliminating the need to tamper any further with the device once cells have been removed from sun or light.

Condensation and water build-up- Condensation and water build-up in the tubes leading into the fuel cell is a normal occurrence and can be cleared by just pulling relevant tubes out. Small amounts of pure water will not do any harm to the cell while a single drop op tap water will undoubtedly cause sever damage to the device.

Who invented the cell?- The water fuel cell was patented by an American, Stanley Allen Meyer during the 1990's. Numerous law suits where lodged against Meyer in terms of dealerships sales and the offering of business rights in Water Fuel Cell technology. Meyer was found guilty twice for 'gross egregious fraud" and ordered to pay US Dollars 25 000. 00 to two investors in 1996. Meyer died under mysterious circumstances supposedly of cerebral aneurysm on 21st March 1998 after a restaurant dinner.

Conspiracy- Meyer's sudden death, fueled conspiracy theorists suspicions that he was murdered by petrol companies and United States Government, in an attempt to cease development to this new-found technology. - 21392

About the Author:

Are you spending more money on gasoline for your car? Transform your car with a hybrid using a secured Do-It-Yourself water fuel cell kit. Join the millions from around the world who now make use of water fuel cell kit to save money on gas.

Trikes Useful Informations

By Banga Koupit

Why have they become so popular in recent years? One reason has been that they are seen as a more stable alternative to a motorcycle. This makes them perfect for those with stability problems - this form of vehicle provides the thrill of riding a two wheeled machine, with the increased feeling of safety provided by that extra wheel.

There's a whole culture that goes with riding these machines too. That culture places trike owners in the same bracket as motorcycle owners, distinct from those of us who drive cars and other four wheeled vehicles.

Whether such models gain popularity will be interesting. One thing is for certain - trike owners will continue to enjoy the experience of riding these unique vehicles.

Children's trikes are made of steel frames or plastic. One disadvantage of plastic frames is that they be more likely to tip over than a steel frame if a heavier child is riding. On the plus side, plastic frames will not rust like steel frames if the trike is left out in the rain. A good quality trike's wheels will have treads, which provide better traction.

Typical upright trikes for adults have front and rear brakes. The front brakes are usually "pull brakes" or V-brakes, and the rear brakes can be pull brakes or internal drum brakes (which operate like automobile drum brakes).

Trikes' strongest suits are cornering, stability, comfort, rider stamina and terminal velocity. Trikes can be used by adults who have problems riding bicyles. As well, trikes are a good choice for elderly riders who are worried about falls. Trikes can ride and climb at very low speed and a kickstand is never needed.

Trikes are always heavier than bikes of the same quality. In fact, the lightest commercially-made tadpole trikes, at around 30 pounds, are easily twice the weight of an upright bicycle of the same cost and quality. Deltas are even heavier. Shortcomings that potential tadpole trikers should realize center on the low riding position which makes them difficult to mount (grab handles are often available) and makes them hard to see in traffic, so flags and blinking lights are often used. Visibility concerns become minimal on bike trails and off-street riding.

Spidertrike is a recumbent cycle rickshaw that is used in central London and is operated by Eco Chariots. It is a front wheel drive tricycle, articulated behind the driver seat. The passenger is protected from rain and sun with a canopy. These pedicabs have features like double disc, hydraulic disc brakes and internal hub gears.

Makers of recumbent trikes include KMX; Hase (who make the Kettwiesel delta, improbably named after the British children's programme Catweazle); Inspired Cycle Engineering, who make the Trice range of tadpole trikes; AVD, who build the record holding Burrows Windcheetah or Speedy, a design exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art (MoMA); Australia's Greenspeed, one of the oldest manufacturers; Michigan-based WhizWheelz, which makes 10 models, including a sub-US$1000 model tadpole and a tandem; and Big Cat HPV which builds the 6 Catrike models in Florida. - 21392

About the Author:

This article has been made accessible by the author, Banga Koupit. Should you need any further information regarding Trikes For Sale, please visit his Scooter Store resources

What You Need To Know About Tax Credit For Hybrid Car

By Anton Rowd

As more and more hybrids are starting to hit the market, it seems that the government is also forced to apply taxes as well. But tax credit for hybrid car products may are not so bad either. The Internal Revenue Service has already certified a bunch of hybrid car models for this credit. This is probably one of the best incentives that the government has to offer for consumers who purchase the most fuel-efficient of hybrid cars to date.

What It Is

Hybrid cars bought on or after January 1, 2006 are entitled for a tax credit varying from $400 to $3,400. The range of amounts depends on the fuel economy. On the other hand, this credit tax may not endure due to the fact that it also highly depends on how many people will want to buy new hybrid cars and other automobiles. This indicates that tax credits are predicted to be a short-term offer as manufacturers reach a certain quota of sold hybrid car products. Evidently, trade names that are less in demand will not be largely influenced if sales do not rise outstandingly.

Models That Are Eligible

A list has been released by the IRS, which consists of hybrid cars that could be certified for a tax credit. The list specifies hybrid cars sold after January 1, 2006. It also indicates those that are to be paid in 2008. Below are appropriate tax credit sums according to car model:

2007 Chevrolet Silverado (2WD): $250.00 2007 Chevrolet Silverado (4WD): $650.00 2007 Ford Escape 4 WD Hybrid: $1,950 2007 Ford Escape Front WD Hybrid: $2,600 2007 GMC Sierra (2WD): $250.00 2007 GMC Sierra (4WD): $650.00 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid AT: $1,300 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid Navi AT: $1,300 2007 Honda Civic GX compressed natural gas vehicle: $4,000 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT: $2,100 2007 Lexus GS 450h: $1,550 2007 Lexus RX 400h 2WD and 4WD: $2,200 2007 Mercury Mariner 4 WD Hybrid: $1,950 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid: $2,350 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line: $1,300 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line: $650 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid: $2,600 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2WD and 4WD: $2,600 2007 Toyota Prius: $3,150.

New Cars Only

Although tax credit is being offered, there are still conditions that apply. For example, one condition is that only new hybrid cars are eligible for the tax credit. The hybrid car purchased must be brand new and not second-hand. Another condition is that the hybrid car cannot be resold by the purchaser and should be bought solely for personal or business purposes.

The tax credit for hybrid car products will reduce your income tax liability. It is also a non-refundable tax credit and any excess cannot be carried over to the next year. But what does all this mumbo jumbo mean? The tax credit basically means that you can save money not only on from spending less on gas but you can save through tax breaks. The IRS and the government is basically trying to promote the use of more energy efficient and eco-friendly cars by allowing tax breaks for those who purchase new hybrid vehicles. - 21392

About the Author:

For a more updated list of hybrid car prices and a list of cars qualified for hybrid car tax credit, log on to Anton Rowd's website on hybrid cars.