Hybrid Car Buying Options

The hybrid car market has built upon us slowly but steadily over the last decade ago. If you can remember back that far you’ll recall that gas was hovering around a dollar a gallon and we were in an economic boom, right on the edge of the dotcom bubble and the economic reality of the new millennium.

The last half decade or so has brought a few other realities as well, the most prevalent being the truth in global warming. The social effects are just now starting to be seen, right alongside the commercial effects. The evolution of the automobile has sidled right up to the plate as the next major development. For those interested in helping out by owning one of the new generation of the car, your choices were limited for a long time, but with each passing year a whole new slew of options open up as car companies hop onto the bandwagon, realizing that there is in fact money to be made in this market.

Until Ford finally announced their Escape model recently, the market has been dominated by Japanese automakers, and even now as more American companies get involved, they have nearly a ten year head start in the market.

Toyota Prius – The most popular and oldest of all hybrid models, the Prius is one of the cheapest models available as well as the most efficient with nearly 60 mpg. There is a downside to being the most popular however – a waiting list of two to nine months.

Honda Insight – Honda’s new entry, the Insight is a straight up competitor to the Prius, with a slightly lower price point and slightly higher mpg. It doesn’t have the establishment of brand name like Toyota hybrids, but the success of Civic and Accord hybrids in Honda’s line places them in a better position than any other car company to take Toyota on.

Ford Escape – The Escape Hybrid is the first time an American car company has offered a hybrid vehicle to the public. Their first entry is an attempt to pacify both markets at the same time, offering a more expensive SUV hybrid that gets significantly better mileage than most SUVs on the market, but still fails to come anywhere near the Toyota or Honda mileage standards.

Lexus and Toyota have offered their own entries into the SUV hybrid arena, with the Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander respectively. The popularity of the SUV being what it is, the price point is rendered partially if not entirely mute, as those on the cusp of buying an SUV because of gas mileage might reconsider when these options are presented.

With upwards of 10 new models supposedly being unveiled later this year, the list of hybrid cars available to the public is growing rapidly, finally catching up to the demand that Toyota and their over-stuffed order forms can attest to. What remains to be seen now is if the kind of technology race that this market needs is coming right behind.

It is a good idea to keep your CNC shop clean

CNC Router

My first thought is to say that you should not do it in your home shop.  My experience in my home shop has been that machining creates dirt.  I use the term dirt very loosely.  Dirt in many forms like plasma dust, machining chips, and cutting fluid spray.  All of these forms of dirt are very invasive and get into everything.  You constantly have to be cleaning just to keep up.

In my home shop experience, I treat every one of my machines differently.My plasma cutter is the dirtiest by far.  I built a special room for it to try to contain the plasma dust it creates.  My CNC Router is in my main working area.  I usually just have to clean around it from time to time.  My CNC Wood Router is located in my woodworking shop.  It creates a lot of wood chips and wood dust, which all my other woodworking machines do as well.

Factories invest in thousands of dollars in extra machines to keep things clean.  These machines purpose is to reduce the amount of dirt in the shop.  Some of these machines clean the air and some of these machines take care of the physical chips leftover from machining.

Here are some examples:
Automated Chip Augers - Chip augers are generally at the bottom of CNC machines that create chips.  As chips fall down the augers move them over to a collection area.  These chips can then be shipped out and recycled.

Downdraft tables –

Downdraft tables are usually associated with plasma or laser cutters.  As the machine is cutting, air is drawn downward from below it.  This air is then moved through filters, which clean the air and place it back in the shop.  They put the air back in to the shop so the building doesn't have to be continually heated in colder areas of the country.

Updraft Table –

An updraft table works the exact opposite.  It pulls the air upward, then through a system of filters.

Water Tables -

Water tables are used mainly with CNC Plasma Cutting operations.There is a water bath right under the piece of metal that is being cut.  The dust and debris of the plasma cutting process is captured by the water table.  Over time, the table fills with this debris and must be cleaned out.

Janitorial Services -

Some factories maintain a janitorial service that cleans the facility every night.  This is usually dependent on the cost in the area the factory is located.

Free community site about CNC information:
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What You Should Look For When Choosing An Extended Warranty Service

extended warranty coverage

Customers who like to be prepared for everything should purchase extended warranty service, especially if the automotive warranty is only for 3 years/36,000 miles. For a good car that has been taken care of, most trouble surfaces around the 80,000 mile mark when new transmissions, new brakes, new calipers or inner gaskets and seals are required, due to regular wear and tear usage. Therefore, it's important for consumers who are looking for an extended car warranty to search for comprehensive coverage that includes "wear and tear" and lasts long enough. It's equally important that the vehicle being purchased is free from defects as well.

First, consumers should check to find out who is backing the extended warranty service. Is it an independent company or the vehicle manufacturer? Generally, manufacturer-based used car warranties are ideal, known for the easy-to-use guarantee. With an after-market extended car warranty, the owner will need to read the stipulations to ensure that everything is covered.

For example, some companies require that owners call before the work is done. Some companies require regular oil changes and fluid top-ups for work to be covered. Depending on the arrangement, sometimes the company pays the auto mechanic directly, whereas other times the warranty company pays the car owner back later. Reading and understanding the agreement is crucial in preventing unpaid claims.

Secondly, consumers should ask if there is a deductible. For some people, paying a fixed amount per visit or per repair is a relief. For others, this deductible may still run up a hefty bill that is unacceptable. Sometimes, an extended warranty program will have a "per visit" deductible, which is one payment per shop, no matter how many parts are repaired. By contrast, a "per repair" deductible applies to each and every serviced part. While a "$100 deductible" sounds like small potatoes, it could add up if the fine print says it's a "per repair" deductible. After getting an air conditioner, fuel pump and alternator repaired, suddenly a $300 bill may appear. The extended warranty service contract should be looked at carefully. Many warranties have a 30 to 60 day money back guarantee, so some consumers purchase it and have their lawyers look over it later to be sure it's fair.

Lastly, some extended warranty service covers bonus travel expenses, which is a good perk for heavy drivers or those who frequently use their car for out-of-town or out-of-state trips. If customers pop a tire, lock their keys in the car or have a dead battery, then a mechanic will come out and fix the problem at no extra cost. In some cases, hotel rooms, meal expenses, towing fees and rental cars may also be covered. AAA-style trip routing is also available under some extended warranty plans. While it may not "make or break" the deal, per say, it's still a good feature to be aware of, if the need ever arises. After all, peace of mind is what drives most people to purchase extended warranty service in the first place.

Buying Used Cars - Smart Move or Not a Good Choice?

To buy a used car or not to buy one:  that is the question. Getting a free automobile insurance quote online is a good place to start.

Automobiles come in assorted measures, colors, models and makes.
Nissan, Mitsubishi, Kia, Toyota, Daihatsu, Mazda, Honda, Mercury, Hyundai, Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, Subaru, Daewoo, Mercedes, Chrysler, and Rolls Royce are a few of the different brand names.

Remember that cars can be identified with national traits as well. You can select from Asian, American, or even European models. These vehicles, like people, grow old too. They are, however, different from people in that they don't seem to attach any importance to celebrating their birthdays. When classifying cars, you will find that they fall under the categories of used or new.

It all comes down to personal preference as to whether or not you are going to get a new or a used car. This why you should check out free car insurance quote. Some people may have had a good or bad experience with their previous used cars, although smooth salesmen and women call them "reconditioned" instead of "used."

One of the best things about purchasing a used vehicle is that it will cost you a lot less than a brand new one straight from the factory. There is no need for you to invest for quite bigger amount of money just to have one.

If you prefer a used vehicle, make sure you're not buying someone else's problem!  In order to make sure a car has received the proper care, it is important to research the vehicle's history.

You should get advice from friends and family when choosing a used car. You have to make sure that it is still in the proper condition even though it is already used. You should feel fortunate if you can buy a used automobile from a person who looked after it responsibly.

Warranty will save a great headache for someone who will not be able to examine parts for a used car prior to purchasing them. The engine sound might probably not in its proper condition. It's a good idea to research it at the start.

This is the conclusion. After having experienced the joys and sorrows and the pleasures and agonies of your previous cars, here is a two cents worth of counsel for you if you still wish to buy a used car as additional to your collections.

First of all, it makes no sense to buy a previously owned car, if you can afford a new car. It will mean a lot of problems and heartaches for you, unless you know how to fix it yourself. No need to rush out and purchase a new vehicle, unless you find owning one is something you have to do.

For the other view try to maintain focus how much convenience it can bring or if it already has. The fact is, there is forever the opportunity that it can convey to you mainly if it is in its proper condition. Because of your many complaints about it, you will just learn to deal with the headache if you are no longer able to use it.

The choice is still yours. If you make up your mind to buy a used car be sure that you are willing to accept the consequences on the later part. Finally be sure to read about free on line automobile insurance quote.

The Advancing Reality of Hybrid Cars and American Automakers

It’s been ten years since Toyota introduced their first hybrid car, the Prius, to the market for energy and pollution conscious consumers. The model has seen significant success and maintains a steady waiting list for this interested in owning one. The market is booming and yet where is the competition? Honda hopped on with hybrid models of their popular Civic and Accord models, and Nissan is looking to edge their way in as their market share grows world-wide, but the original developers of the automobile, the American Auto Manufacturers, with the exception of a product line equivalent to sticking their toe in the water, have remained rather silent on the issue.

It looks like 2007 will be a step in the right direction though as 10 new hybrid models will release this year alone, six of those from Detroit’s big three automakers. Ford, Mercury, and Saturn each have their single entry in the field. As it stands though the full support and development budgets that the technology really needs to take off have yet to appear.

So, as GM, Ford, and Daimler Chrysler rev up their sales and attempt to take on a Japanese market with a decade’s head start, what can we look forward to in our hybrid vehicles?

The answer is exciting when you stop to think about the amount of development money and time that could really go into the market if these companies realize that there’s money to be made. When the consumers react and a dozen or more different brands hit the market in competition, the need to step up and offer bigger, better models to stay ahead of the curve will breed the kind of technology race that the auto industry hasn’t seen since the 1970s.

Recent reports released by the UN and the global scientific community state that with CO2 output as it currently stands, worldwide temperatures will rise by nearly 6 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. There are still hold outs on the consensus that technologies such as the automobile are causing harm to our planet, but as more and more come to the realization that this is a reality, the corporations will react accordingly. And if the government takes the steps to curb emissions and raise CAFE standards, it’s entirely likely that the industry might start to shift much of their focus to the hybrid car market in an attempt to curb the inevitable downturn in their profits.

Taking A Look At Some Automobile Extended Warranty Coverage Essentials

extended auto warranty

You may have heard that "research is crucial" when it comes to purchasing an extended warranty for your automobile. Sometimes auto extended warranties are portrayed in a negative light because of a few scam artists looking to capitalize off peoples' concern for their investments. A recent Consumer Reports study recommended that people buy highly rated models only and that they invest in Money Market accounts to save for repairs, rather than invest in a warranty. However, if you tend to incur a good number of auto repair bills, if you plan on keeping your car more than three years and if you drive your car over the recommended 12,000 miles annually, then you are a good candidate for the extended warranty program.

Did you know that an auto salesman can make more money from selling you an extended warranty than selling you the car? The most profitable part of the retail auto business is, in fact, the extended automobile warranty, where anything over the dealer's cost is profit. Generally speaking, salesmen get a flat fee for each warranty sold, plus the balance of the profit. The fees can range from $250 to $1750, and when compared to third party warranties, dealership plans cost, on average, 40% to 100% more.

Another factor to consider is auto warranty for "wear and tear." This type of warranty can be hard to find, since many only cover mechanical failure. However, you can definitely find extended warranty coverage that includes "wear and tear," thereby covering parts like the idler arm, piston rings, U joints, CV joints, wheel bearings, motor mounts, suspension bushings, tie rod ends, seals, gaskets and other engine parts that gradually wear down and may or may not cause a mechanical breakdown.

If you have an anti-lock braking system, then you'll want to make sure your coverage extends to ABS and instances of overheating. The comprehensive website, carbuyingtips.com recommends Warranty Direct and Nation Warranty Corporation, which both include "wear and tear" in their plans.

Lastly, ask your warranty company about things like a rental car, towing and travel reimbursements during the Standard Warranty Period. These extended warranty benefits can save you a lot of money and hassle if you get into an accident or suffer a breakdown! Also, check to be sure you can have your repairs covered at any ASE Certified Repair Shop. (Nothing is worse than having repairs done, only to find out that the repairmaster wasn't part of the affiliate network!) Additionally, ensure that your auto warranty has a $0 deductible and that they pay the repair shop directly. If your warranty company asks that you pay upfront and "get reimbursed later," then it could be a bunk deal. However, extended warranties can be a smart investment if you take the proper precautions and do your homework!

Hybrid Cars and the Basics of How They Work

The auto industry has been abuzz about the developments and introduction of new technologies for as long as it’s been around. The big new of this decade is the introduction of the Hybrid car. It’s not quite the electric machine everyone thought we’d be driving by now, but it’s halfway there and it’s a good solid step in that direction. But what exactly goes on under that slick new hood that makes these cars so special?

The science is a bit stuffy, but the basics are simple enough. It’s not even new technology necessarily. Buses and trains have been running with the help of electricity for years, but now it’s a consumer product, something you and I can go out and pick up from the car lot and drive around town.

Electric cars have a lot of drawbacks. They’re hard to maintain, harder to charge up, and don’t go nearly as far as you’d like, and we all know the drawbacks of the gasoline powered machines we drive around now. The mixture of the two is an attempt to cut back on car emissions and gas mileage while not falling victim to the pitfalls of electric cars.

Basically, with hybrid cars you’re bypassing the negatives of both sides. You still run your car on gasoline, but now it takes half as much and instead of the gasoline powering your car directly, it powers the batteries and generator that do most of the actual work.

If you brake or release the accelerator, the generator takes and stores energy from the motion in the car’s motor, putting it back in the batteries and recycling it into the all powerful energy that will propel your car forward. It sounds complicated but it’s really a matter of inserting a middle man between gasoline and your car that doesn’t pollute or deplete as you use it.

The fact that you’re still using gasoline is a necessity at this point as it would take a 1000 pound battery to emit as much energy as 1 gallon of gasoline. Gasoline is still an amazing formula capable of storing vast amounts of energy. Until a suitable alternative can be found and refined to the degree needed to operate a motor vehicle in our high powered, quick moving world, the hybrid is the scientific equivalent of a godsend. Our only other alternative is walking, or to start breaking the laws of physics.

Green Tea

The Healing Tea

 

Scientists have discovered that green tea can be helpful for many medical purposes. This healthful tea has been around for thousands of years, and today it is popular all over the world. Some scientists say that green tea can reduce the risk of esophageal and colon cancer by almost sixty percent. Through research scientists have discovered that green tea can be a great help for high cholesterol, infection, and even weight loss. But what makes this tea so spectacular? Certain properties in green tea enable it to attack and kill cancer cells. Besides, green tea is high in EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful anti-oxidant that can help protect your skin against UV rays.

What Makes Green Tea Different?

Green tea comes from the plant (Camellia sinensis), the same plant from which normal black tea is made. The main difference is that green tea goes through minimal oxidation while processing, giving it a much lighter color than regular black tea. Green tea comes in a variety of flavors, and is usually not served with any type of cream or sugar. Another special quality that green tea possesses is that it can increase metabolism, which aids weight loss and lowering cholesterol. The way green tea is harvested also makes a difference. It is harvested usually in early spring and is done by hand, and then dried. The Chinese used to steam the tea to stop fermentation, but today most it is done by roasting.

 

History of Green Tea

Green tea has been around for approximately 5,000 years, but the story of its origin is unclear. Some say that the emperor Shen Nung discovered the plant when a leaf fell into his cup. But another story says that a man by the name of Shien Non Shei found the plant and tasted it, discovering that it was in fact, delicious, and decided upon making a beverage out of it. But whatever its origin, the Chinese have been drinking green tea for thousands of years. In ancient China, Green tea was the drink of the wealthy and political leaders, because it was a costly drink.  But as time passed, the drink was more widely spread among the people of China and Japan.

 

Green tea was introduced into the US by Europeans involved in the tea trade from Asia. And grew rapidly in popularity, making tea a very important part of the trade market in the new world.

 

Side Effects

Green tea has only one side effect, due to its amount of caffeine; however, green tea actually contains less caffeine than some other teas and coffees. But some people are sensitive to caffeine, and may experience insomnia, or other side effects involved in excess of caffeine. But the amount you drink is sometimes a question for scientists. A study by the Saitama Cancer Research Institute in Japan, discovered that there were fewer cases of breast cancer in woman who drank five or more cups daily. Another study discovered that drinking at least four cups a day, can help prevent some types of arthritis, and can also reduce the symptoms in patience who already have arthritis. Some people might say that green tea is a natural healer, but further research is still needed to prove the point!

Are Car Auction Houses A Good Place For Affordable Vehicle Deals?

car auction houses

If you have watched many movies or television shows over the years, then you most likely have seen at least a few different scenes that are set at various types of auctions. Often, the main character is eager to buy a particular item at an art auction, an antique auction, or even a collector car auction. These auctions that feature classic cars are often held at car auction houses, which are the businesses that handle auctioning off a wide variety of vehicles, from seized cars to classic cars and much, much more.

Some people who are not even particularly interested in buying a vehicle through a car auto auction still enjoy hanging around an auction house on the days that the auto auctions are running, just to take in the atmosphere of excitement and to do a bit of people watching. It can be a fascinating experience to watch the proceedings, especially if you have never before attended any type of used car auction. If there has been a vigorous round of bidding on a particular vehicle, then it can be electrifying when the auctioneer drops the gavel and pronounces the vehicle sold!

Because it is their business, the car auction auto houses fully understand how the various car auctions are managed and how the procedures work. On the other side of the coin, people who have never been to an auction of any sort often feel rather bewildered and even intimidated the first time they find themselves at a used car auction house.

Because of this, it is strongly recommended that first time auction goers, whether for antiques, collectibles and artwork, or for a public auto auction, attend at least one or two auctions in the role of observer and not as a bidder. Most of the car auction houses have an open door policy that allows spectators to come in and watch the proceedings; however, there may be restricted access to certain types of auctions.

The car auction house is not the seller of anything being sold. Instead, they are simply providing the services of the auctioneer, of registering the bidders, managing the auction and collecting the funds that are generated by the various motor car auctions that they host. If a person wins a bid on a vehicle, then they will pay the final bid price, as well as a percentage of the final price to the car auto auction house. This additional percentage is a fee that covers the expenses incurred by the auction house and is the main income source for these types of businesses.

Car auction houses can be a very good place to find an excellent deal on a vehicle. Many of these auction houses will run auction events that will sell the full gamut of vehicles, from a small motorcycle to something as large as a luxury RV. On top of attending a public car auction or two before you try bidding, it is also helpful to search out the current market value of any models of autos that you are interested in bidding on, in advance of the auction proceedings.

Many Opportunities Arises From Travel Abroad Volunteer Work

overseas volunteer work

For many people today, the decision to engage in travel abroad volunteer work means that they will have to adjust to a number of changes in their lifestyle from what they are familiar and comfortable with in their current home environment. It probably also means quitting or taking a leave of absence from a job, being away from family and friends, and also being courageous enough to embark upon a path that is much less traveled.

Even with all of these major considerations and changes, venturing out on a volunteer work project abroad will more than likely turn out to be the experience of a lifetime for those who put their heart into their charity volunteer work overseas. Charity work abroad gives people unique opportunities to live and work in another land and experience the people and the culture, not as a tourist but on the same level that the local citizens live their daily lives. This in and of itself provides those who undertake overseas volunteer work with a unique perspective on the world and other countries that will be with them throughout their lives.

In addition to the experiences and perspectives that will endure in their memories, a person who embarks on travel abroad volunteer work will also expand their horizons by learning new languages, making new friends, and feeling like they have a second home in another part of the world. With all of this in mind, it is no wonder why international volunteer work is becoming a more popular pursuit for those who have the ability to get involved.

Choosing to participate in a volunteer work program abroad is a wonderful idea for a number of very positive reasons. On a more self-centered note, anyone who gives up their time and energy to offer their services and expertise to a voluntary charity organization will have a wonderful entry to include in their resume. At the same time, most administrators of charity work overseas programs are more than happy to write you a glowing letter of recommendation as a token of thanks for the services you rendered.

For those who are planning to go on to graduate school of some type after their overseas volunteer work, it can be noted that volunteer work is something that is well respected in school admissions offices. This one factor alone can be something on which your whole future hinges in the most positive of ways. There are many people who have returned from a break from schooling or a sabbatical from work where they took advantage of a volunteer work opportunity to find that their school or job prospects had improved greatly because of their desire to use their time serving other people.

Travel abroad volunteer work opportunities are plentiful these days. No matter what your area of interest is or what kind of voluntary charity organization you want to be involved with, there will probably be a number of options to choose from. While simply serving those in need through charity work abroad is rewarding in and of itself, it will be even more rewarding if you have a special affinity toward the people or the charity itself.

Motorcycle Insurance: When You Want To Feel More Comfortable On The Road

Riding in a motorcycle can be a lot of fun but it can also be dire. Unlike when you're driving a car where you're surrounded by metals that protects you from the outside world, riding on a motorbike leaves you open to the abuse of traffic, nature and other elements. If you require to feel more comfortable while traveling on the road with your motorcycle, you might want to consider getting total motorcycle insurance. Even if you already have the standard motorcycle insurance coverage, it would do you some good if you take a look at that macro motorcycle insurance now and put your mind at ease.

How To Get The Best Insurance Rates?

There are many companies all over the country that are offering total motorcycle insurance.  If you want to get the best offers in the market, you should first shop around and liken the services of these companies as well as the prices for their services. The best way for you to compare the services and the prices of these motorcycle insurance companies is to send a request fro quotations. Send a request to ask many companies as possible so that you will have more companies to choose from.

If you don't know many motorcycle insurance companies, you can go online and make a search. Most reputable motorcycle insurance companies all over the country have their own websites so you can easily find them when you do a search. The good thing about searching online for these motorcycle insurance companies is that you can save a lot of time and effort. You will no longer need to make calls or visit the offices of these motorcycle insurance companies to get what you need. In most instances, you can get some good information by purely sending an email to these companies.

Different companies may have diverse terms and conditions attached to their policies. In most cases, insurance companies would like to know the details of your motorcycle so that it can give you the right information that you need.  Usually, motorcycle insurance companies would give better rates for bikes under 1000cc. Cruiser style motorcycles are less expensive to ensure than those high performance big bikes. The big difference in the premium rates big due to the fact that high performance motorcycles are more likely inclined to accidents than those cruiser types which could only go on a limited speed.