Oct 13

Why your next pickup should be a GM
Oddly enough, out of all of the research done into hybrid technology GM has been forward thinking enough to make theirs are not only affordable, but ingenious as well. They now offer both the Sierra and the Silverado pickups as hybrids country wide. Using a technology not formerly seen in hybrids, GM attempted to not only lower emissions in their pickups, but to make them handier as well. Affordable technologyGM wanted to make a hybrid truck that was too well priced to turn down, the major complaint of the hybrid models is high price tag which counteracts the gas mileage benefits. In response to this GM produced their pick up hybrids to cost only $1500.00-$2500.00 more than its gas guzzling brothers, saved with tax cuts at the pump within the first few years of ownership. Especially if you consider that the hybrids produce a 10% improvement in fuel economy, all without sacrificing any power. Both the Sierra and Silverado offer the same 245 horsepower V8 engine, and can tow up to 7,700 pounds. If you consider that pickup truck drivers are not sacrificing any power and when sitting stopped in traffic it emits very limited pollution for their size. Hybrid systemGM employs what they call a “flywheel alternator starter hybrid system” which uses a compact electric motor incorporated between the engine and the transmission. This electric engine runs the truck when it is slowing or idling at a standstill. They calibrate the flywheel alternator system to turn off the engine more frequently than even those systems used in most smaller hybrid models. Eliminating much of the pollution caused by slow moving traffic in high volume. Now your work truck can double as a generatorBoth the Sierra and the Silverado boost four 120-volt, 20 amp three-prong outlets which can be used to provide power for electrical tools and electronics. This eliminates any need for a gassy generator spewing fumes into the air at a work site. The truck must be running, but utilizing it’s electric engine allows it to run virtually emission free. GM reports that their hybrid trucks can continue to pump out power for up to 32 hours non-stop before needing to refuel. Aimed specifically at contractors, whose need to access abundant sources of energy and drive long miles to job sites fuel this intelligent new take on a work truck. Testers reportThe power source for tools was not quite as juicy as GM would have you think, however the idea is a brilliant one. No doubt in a few generations they will have nailed down this imperfection in an already forward thinking vehicle. Although the gas mileage is a tad better overall, it borders on insignificant. Which again is certain to be addressed and updated in generations to come. Reviewers say that the feel of the engine cutting out as you hit ten miles an hour is a bit disconcerting, and takes some getting used to, but its pollution saving benefits far outweigh that small detail. Every accessory on the truck is electrical, so the gas engine only runs when it is needed to for its sole purpose, to accelerate the vehicle. Overall appealThe brilliance behind the ideas developed for these pickup truck models is really what drives them at this point. Fine tuning is necessary of any piece of equipment and GM has been making pick up trucks for a long time. They will continue to address the issues and refine the existing good points, driving the hybrid market to continue to bring us new and innovative ideas. <b>About the Author:</b> My name is Paige Filler and I'm a creative writer with a love of all things that go vroom. I do my homework to bring thought and innovation into everything I write about the auto industry. You can find more of my stuff at <a href="http://www.cash4usedcars.com/" target="blank">Cash 4 Used Cars</a>, and <a href="http://blog.cash4usedcars.com/" target="blank"> this blog.</a>
Source: www.ArticlePros.com

Tips on How to Save Gas
Fuel economy-maximizing behaviors or more popularly known as gas saving tips have been at the forefront of most drivers’ concerns thanks to the looming oil crisis. Basically, it is defined as a set of methods that drivers can utilize, in order to optimize their automobile’s fuel economy. There are many ways that energy is spent needlessly through driving. These include inefficient engine use, aerodynamic drag, friction, excessive braking, and many more. However, there are two general categories on how to save gas, which can be either basic or advanced. The former can be done by most drivers with little or no professional help, while the latter ought to be done by an experienced hypermiler. Basic Techniques The first thing that every driver should do in order to improve gas mileage is to inflate the tires to the maximum. This way, a smaller amount of energy is needed to move the automobile. In line with this, there should be minimum cargo as much as possible to remove the burden off the engine. Additionally, maintaining optimum speed should help significantly, which is usually measured in the 35 to 55 mph range. Aside from that, the driver should also pay attention to braking and acceleration. That means braking and acceleration should not be sudden and they should be minimized as much as possible. Another way to save gas is through coasting. That means the engine is still running, although the transmission is set to neutral. Bear in mind that fuel is still consumed when coasting, although far less than the driver would in normal driving conditions. These basic techniques are recommended for the average user and these are also far simpler to execute as opposed to the advanced techniques that are discussed below. Advanced Pulse and glide is one of the most commonly used fuel saving tips by the advanced hypermiler. This method consists of driving to a certain speed limit called pulsing, which is then followed by a period of gliding. These two steps are repeated in order to maximize fuel economy. However, it is advised that the gliding stage should be done when the engine is not activated. Another sophisticated fuel saving tip is called drafting, which is otherwise known as slipstreaming. This technique involves two or more vehicles that are aligned in a close group, in order to decrease the overall effect of drag. This happens because the lead vehicle’s slipstream is utilized by the ones that follow it. Drafting is an effective way to increase gas mileage both for the lead and tail automobiles. Most hypermilers use this method when trailing larger vehicles and has was shown to increase Miles Per Gallon(MPG) efficiency by at least 11 percent. Overall, it is imperative for each driver to learn different ways on saving gas without having to spend on another part or accessory to accomplish it. However, enough caution ought to be considered whenever these techniques are used to prevent accidents or costly engine damage.
Source: www.ArticlePros.com