Archive for January, 2011
Steam Powered Cars
Everyone is familiar with steam. It is nothing more than vaporized water. We use steam for many things including for relief from sickness allergies and dry throat. But can steam be used for bigger things like powering an entire vehicle in the modern day? Many people say yes. Steam is a natural resource that can be used as power but using it to fuel a vehicle is not the simplest of tasks. There are certainly many advantages and disadvantages to using steam power for cars. This is something that science is working on improving. Environmental concerns are forcing us to look for better ways to produce energy so that we can find a solution to the fossil fuel troubles.
A steam engine is not a new invention but it had not yet been applied to the modern day vehicles that we use for our daily commute. In the past steam engines have often been used in industrial machines for heavy duty work. It requires a vastly different engine than what regular petrol cars are using currently. There had been a time in the past though when steam powered cars actually outsold those that ran on regular gasoline. Those are days that many are trying to reclaim for the good of the earth and future generations.
The steam powered cars of the past required sufficient start up time before it was able to get going. This is one area where car buyers may have found it to be an inconvenience. The heat exchange within a steam engine is different from todays cars and so other components such as the radiator would also have to be altered to be efficient. Even though the steam powered car has great arguments working in its favor such as the benefits to the environment there are even more working against it.
Entire design changes would have to be made and when it comes to the safety standards and regulations now in place for vehicles that could be difficult. However if the steam car could undergo a makeover of sorts it may one day be available to the general public. Mass production would not likely be possible until these types of issues can be addressed.
What many people may not know is that the older steam cars are a valuable and rare collector item. There are clubs and organizations throughout the world that is dedicated to preserving the steam cars of the past. The Steam Automobile Club of America is just one of several clubs that meet regularly and hold special events. Checking out a car club like this is a great way to learn more about steam engines and the potential future benefits they hold.
There are many potential improvements that can be made for the good of the earth and those that call it home. However plenty of research is needed to take ideas like the steam engine and apply it to the modern day. Things have changed greatly since the days of the steam engine. Changes need to be made and effectively applied in order to successfully bring it back.
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Set Your Trail Ablaze With LED Tail Lights
People talk a lot about car headlights but how often so we think about car tail lights? Do we really understand the importance of car tail lights? Most of us overlook the functionality of these lights and over a period of time just believe that having the car tail lights is just one factor to prevent you from getting a ticket!
As any other part of the car for its full functionally the car tail lights are a must. What function does it perform? Let us take a case where the driver in front of you wants to stop abruptly. How will you know his intentions of stopping? Or how will your communicate your intention of applying the brakes to the driver behind you? As the driver slams the breaks the car tail lights will be lit up passing this information to the driver behind. Imagine a situation where you did not have the tail lights. The car behind you would just ram into your boot every time you applied the brakes!
The car tail lights also guide others in the rear when you are taking a reverse. The reverse lights are on letting the drivers in the rear know that your car is moving backward. But for the tail lights it will be impossible to communicate about your actions to the drivers behind you.
Many manufacturers just look at the tail lights to serve the functionality and no imagination goes into its making. The tail lights can be made attractive and enhance the looks of your car by some creative designs. Some manufacturers have seen an opportunity in this and have started marketing tail lights with innovative designs and styles. The latest addition in the market is the LED tail lights. They are superior to the traditional lights in many ways. The LED tail lights light up much faster than their traditional counterparts. They are much brighter and are visible from quite a distance. This feature is especially useful at night when the car can be noticed from a distance. During night driving the tail lights will be on to let others in the rear know that your car is on the road.
The LED lights have no filament unlike the traditional tail lights. They are designed to withstand rough road conditions and hence will last longer. The LED lights are also easy to install. These do not come as a standard accessory for most of the cars and you will have to purchase it separately and install in your car. But it is worth the effort since you are ensuring a safe drive for yourself.
Car Tail lights can be purchased from car accessories store. You can compare the various LED tail lights available and select one that fit your car as well as meets your requirements. You can also add some style rings and plates to give it a cool look. The manufacturer’s instructions are pretty clear and some even boast of taking less than 30 minutes for installation!
There are variants in the LED tail lights itself. There is the classic version and the one with fiber optics. The lighting is the same in both of them however the fiber optic LED lights are provides as strips. This gives a completely different look and feel to the car as a whole. LED lights have gained popularity quickly and are here to stay.
To summarize car tail lights are an important safety feature of your car. You can improve the look of your car by adding some designs to the tail lights. Also LED tail lights are far superior in their functionality in comparison to the traditional car tail lights.
About the writer: Reshma Anand has been writing for several years and has written on various topics. She is an engineering post graduate from world’s premier technology school and also holds an MBA from one of the top B Schools. She was working with one of the largest business conglomerates before she gave it up to take up her passion for writing.
Safe Driving When The Weather Turns Bad
The British winter can make driving a hazardous endeavor. Weather conditions can quickly and often do turn nasty. From the low grey skies which inhibit visibility to the frosted morning roads which cause your car to lose traction.
When the weather is severe the simple and often quoted advice is to stay at home. However in the modern age of the car this advice is not so easy to realize.
You can however take precautions which will help both you and your car deal with the worst the Great British weather can throw at you.
Firstly as winter approaches take time to inspect the condition of your car.
Tyres should be checked for adequate tread. The legal requirement is a 1.6mm tread depth but in wintry conditions it is safer to have 3mm
Check front and rear lights to make sure all are working and that the plastic covers are clean.
If your cars battery is sluggish starting then replace it. Cold frosty mornings can be cruel to failing car battery.
Check you windscreen washer reservoir is full and contains a quality non freezing screen wash concentrate. Also check the condition of your wipers. These will need to be in tiptop condition if your windscreen is to remain clear.
If your car is due a service then get one
Sensible other precautions include:
Buy a screen wiper and a can deicier and keep them in your car.
Make sure you keep as full a tank of petrol as you can. On British roads during the winter long delays are not uncommon. Running out of fuel in such conditions can be dangerous.
Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged.
If the weather turns bad whilst driving listen to the local radio station to get the latest travel news.
Check your car insurance policy. Are you covered for damage caused by severe weather? For example many car insurance policies don’t pay out if your car suffers damage due to flooding.
Driving in snow and ice can be a perilous activity. Unexpected snow is very dangerous. It means that the road gritters will not have been called out and that the roads remain ungritted. Once gritted you should find that there is enough grip for careful driving.
If you do find yourself driving in snow or when there is ice on the road this is what you should do.
Avoid turning the steering wheel suddenly or sharply.
Accelerate smoothly and gradually.
Slow down and avoid sudden braking. You should use the engine brake changing down into lower gears as well as the brake pedal. This will help you avoid locking the wheels. If the wheels do lockup it is likely that your car will slide out of control. If this happens you should release the brake pedal to help the wheels regain traction. Then brake gently and gradually whilst changing into the low gears.
Create more distance between you and the vehicle in front. In can take up to 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions.
Use higher gears as this will help prevent wheel spin.
Statistically driving in fog is the most dangerous road condition in the UK. If the fog is really bad then it is advisable to pull over park somewhere safe and wait for the fog to lift. If however you find yourself driving in fog this is what you should do.
Slow down dip your headlights and turn on your fog lights if visibility is less than 100 metres.
Keep alert. If you suddenly find the fog clearing don’t think the danger has gone away. Fog is often patchy going from a mist to a dense impenetrable fog within seconds.
Use your windscreen wipers and demisters
Beware of other road users who are not using their headlights and fog lights.
British weather during the winter months is unpredictable. Bad weather can appear quickly and suddenly. The best advice may well be to stay off the road. However if you must drive then make sure you are prepared for and respect the conditions.
About the writer: Richard Jenkins is the owner of the driving test and driving schools www.drivingtestsuccess.com
