Mahindra has launched two new series – Scorpio and Bolero with Fuel Smart System and Micro Hybrid Technology. What is so special about this system anyway?

The Mahindra FuelSmart system with Micro Hybrid technology switches off the vehicle’s engine after it has come to a complete halt. For example, if the vehicle comes to a halt at a traffic signal and is in neutral, the engine will shut down automatically after 10 seconds.

Just before stopping, the indicator light located in the instrument cluster will blink, indicating that the engine is going to stop shortly. Once the signal turns green and the driver presses the clutch pedal, the engine starts immediately for continuing the journey.

Apart from being fuel efficient, the engine is switched off during traffic signals / traffic jams so the release of a considerable amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is avoided. This mitigates the adverse effects of global warming, thus helping to provide us with a cleaner environment to live in.

The system is also able to detect any battery problem, safety issues and even temperature of the engine. All these are to make sure your vehicle is safe for use and to inform you should there be a need for maintenance.

Popularity: 71% [?]

Technorati Tags: fuel efficiency, fuel saving, gas saving, hypermilers, hypermilling, save fuel, save gas, save money

This is the first part of the Fuel Efficient Car Series to introduce some of the autos that can help to save fuel because of their fuel efficiency. In this part we will talk about Ford Focus, a car known to many because it is very popular among the US residents.

This is perhaps the most important information we need to know before we proceed:

EPA fuel economy 24 MPG city, 33-35 MPG highway.

Yes, it is correct. 24 MPG in the city and 33-35 MPG on highway. That is quite a high figure right so of course it will help to save some precious fuel (and money along the way).

Below is the specifications for Ford Focus:

• Body style: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
• Seating capacity: 5
• Trim levels: S, SE, SES
• Price range (including options): $14,695 – $21,300
• Test car model/price: Focus SES sedan, $19,210
• Base engine: 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder, 140 hp @ 6000 RPM, 136 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM
• Optional engine: PZEV-compliant 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder, 132 hp @ 6000 RPM, 133 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM
• Premium fuel required? No
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
• Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
• EPA fuel economy estimates: 24 MPG city/35 MPG highway (manual), 24/33 (automatic)
• Where built: United States
• Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side (torso) airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system
• Optional safety equipment: Antilock brakes, traction control
• Major standard features: Air conditioning, CD/MP3 player
• Major options: Power windows, locks and mirrors, upgraded interior trim, leather seats, alloy wheels, colored interior lighting, Sync media player and Bluetooth phone integration
• Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
• Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 5 years/60,000 miles roadside assistance

I would say that this car is suitable for those who are looking for an affordable car, fun to drive and a fuel efficient car. You don’t have to spend so much on maintenance for Ford Focus because it is one of the cars with the lowest maintenance cost.

Popularity: 70% [?]

Technorati Tags: ford focus fuel efficient, fuel efficiency, fuel efficient cars, fuel saving, gas saving, hypermilers, hypermilling, save fuel, save gas, save money

Hybrids are leading in the efficient car list of 2008. Hybrid cars such Toyota Prius is making its way up as the number one most efficient car in 2008. Toyota Prius has a surprising mileage number of 46. Other cars included in the list are:

1. Nissan Altima Hybrid 

2. Toyota Camry Hybrid

3. Two-wheel-drive Ford Escape Hybrid

The 2008 fuel economy figures for hybrids are about 20 percent lower than last year’s numbers, based on new testing procedures designed to better reflect real-world driving conditions, such as high-speed driving, use of air conditioning, and cold weather. 

There are two cars that are non hybrids that make it to the list. They are:

1. Toyota Yaris

2. Toyota Corolla

Some say that hybrid cars are often being exaggerated for having the highest mileage number. However, some diesel powered cars such as Mercedes E320 Bluetec, was rated at 23 in the city and 32 on the highway—well below the most efficient hybrids.

Therefore, hybrid cars are still on top in the list and those who want to buy a new car should consider to get a hybrid car especially the Toyota Prius. 

Popularity: 64% [?]

Technorati Tags: fuel efficiency, fuel saving, gas saving, hypermilers, hypermilling, save fuel, save gas, save money

Biodiesel is seen as the solution as the next gasoline. As we all know gasoline is running out and one day, there will be no more gasoline left in the world. We are consuming gasoline more than anything else. Biodiesel is perhaps the best solution that we have at the moment.

Biodiesel has been getting a lot of attention especially in this time when the fuel price is unstable. Biodiesel is one of the most reliable sources of alternative fuel in the world. Many companies have already started turning to biodiesel to fuel their vehicles to save money.

Do you know that you can create biodiesel in the comfort of your home. You can get the ingredients to make biodiesel from the grocery store. All you need is a supply of old bottles to mix and store the biodiesel.

Biodiesel is also not going to catch on fire or have the risk of explosion making it a safe alternative fuel. Biodiesel is also renewable so it will never run out of stock as long as you make enough for your own use. You should give it a try as you will never know how effective it can be.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Technorati Tags: fuel efficiency, fuel saving, gas saving, hypermilers, hypermilling, save fuel, save gas, save money

It is said that some cars are extremely efficient in saving gas. There is truth in it. In fact, if you own a SUV maybe you should think about changing cars. Unless you can sustain the fuel for SUV, there is no way you can save money on fuel.

Believe it or not, these cars are all below $10,000. These are the most efficient cars when it comes to fuel efficiency.

1. 2000 Honda Insight (manual) 51 mpg
2. 2001-02 Toyota Prius 41 mpg
3. 2000-05 Toyota Echo 38 mpg
4. 1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm 32 mpg
5. 1998 Mazda Protegé LX 32 mpg
6. 1998-2000 Toyota Corolla LE 32 mpg
7. 1998-2001 Acura Integra LS (manual) 32 mpg

Feeling attracted to get one now? Go and check out your local used car retailers and see if there is anything match the list above.

Popularity: 23% [?]

Technorati Tags: fuel efficiency, fuel saving, gas saving, hypermilers, hypermilling, save fuel, save gas, save money

The latest technology from Nissan is about to be implemented on the cars. Soon, the Nissan cars are equipped with ‘Eco Pedal’ system that will push back whenever the driver speed. It can be used on cars and motorcycles.

According to Nissan, this ‘Eco Pedal’ system can help to improve fuel efficiency by 5-10%.

It calculates the most efficient rate of acceleration in a vehicle based on how fast fuel is being burned and other factors, and causes the gas pedal to push back to alert overzealous drivers. A special meter on the dashboard flashes and changes colors to help drive the message home.

Part of Nissan strategy is to reduce the carbon footprint and help to improve the fuel efficiency. 

However, the system comes with an option to switch on or off anytime they want.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Technorati Tags: fuel efficiency, fuel saving, gas saving, save fuel, save gas, save money

Hydrogen fuel cells arealternative energy sources. There are studies to consider using fuel cells in cars. Hydrogen fuel cells are popular as it is time for another great energy source rather than being dependant on gas. Electricity might be another good option but at the moment Hydrogen fuel cells are the big bombs.

Hydrogen fuel cells are like traditional batteries. There is a chemical reactions that can produce electricity and electrical charge. The only difference is that the batteries are able to generate power if there is a continuous supply of hydrogen.

The size of the cell and the hydrogen flow will determine the electricity production. The chemical reaction between air and hydrogen there are three things that will be produced. One is the heat, then water and finally electricity. The cell will reduce heat production.

The advantage of using Hydrogen fuel cells is that the byproducts are heat and water only. These byproducts are not harmful to the environment. The efficiency is between 45 – 53% as compared to gasoline with only 20% of efficiency rate.

The size of the fuel can be changed according to the needs. We can create small cells for MP3 player and larger size to generate power for cars or even the whole town. The main thing is to utilize the cells to generate power for the cars.

Countries around the world are looking for a cleaner fuel and I believe that Hydrogen fuel cells have a good chance to establish as the popular fuel source everywhere in the future. Even car manufaturers are researching on how to integrate hydrogen fuel cells into their cars.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Technorati Tags: alternative fuel, fuel saving, gas saving, hydrogen fuel cells

The fuel in US cost an average $4.1124 starting from July 11, which was an increase of 1.52 cents per gallon. This is definitely going to drive us crazy but there is a new discovery about magnets being able to help save fuel consumption.

Apparently, magnetic field has been used to improve the combustion of fuel dated back in the 1940s. This remarkable discovery is made by two Nobel Prize winners, Felix Bloch and Edward Mills Purcell in 1952 for their work in the magnetic field.

How can you save fuel with just using magnets?

One way is by attaching a magnet to the fuel lead pipe of your burner. The magnet allow a greater combustion thus produce more heat. If you have a very old boiler, you might want to install a magnet before you buy a new boiler.

Another advantage is by using the magnet to improve combustion, it means cleaner burn and it minimize the needs of servicing the boiler. Your boiler can last longer. While the magnet improve combustion of the engine, you get more mileage per gallon and a smoother running engine.

This may be a crazy idea but who knows whether it works or not if you don’t give it a try.

You get a cleaner engine, more mileage and save more money just by using a magnet that can last up to 100 years if it is a good magnet.

Popularity: 23% [?]

Technorati Tags: fuel, fuel saving, magnet, more mileage, save fuel

Popularity: 12% [?]

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