Auto Repair Information Blog

Is water for gas a scam? The hottest debate in my automotive niche that I have ever seen is about the new water for gas product. With gas prices reaching record highs and digging deeply into everybody’s pocket, Naturally people are looking for answers. When the necessary task of driving up and back to work costs 15-30% of what you will make that day, People are willing to take a chance on things that may seem far-fetched.

Enter the water for gas scam

This product seems to take advantage of the current skyrocketing fuel prices and offers people the solutions to what they need most, which is better fuel economy. Me being a certified mechanic, and also suffering from high fuel prices, I couldn’t help but be curious about the water for gas system. So I purchased it!

Not only am I a certified mechanic, but I am also certified in alternative fuels. The water for gas product includes two e-books that explain how the system works and hooks you up with places to buy the parts to build your own on-demand hydrogen gas system. Yes I do believe that the books were well written and a lot of effort was put into creating them.

The system has a few problems, which I will discuss. I have collected the necessary parts and started to build my own system. The first thing I discovered is that Read the rest of this entry »

Toyota parts now made in the United States? Many of us already know that Toyota Corporation builds many popular car models inside the United States. This is not a new development, as in many import car companies are manufacturing vehicles in the United States for many reasons.

The bottom line is that the car manufacturer will have increased profits on vehicles sold and manufactured inside the United States as opposed to vehicles that are built and imported from foreign countries. This is mainly due to high shipping costs and heavy import taxes.

But what I didn’t understand was where the parts came from. I was under the impression that the parts were manufactured in Japan, and then shipped to the United States for assembly. This is only a half-truth.

My investigation of Toyota parts!

My girlfriend has a 2002 Toyota Corolla. It was time to replace the original serpentine drive belt on her vehicle, due to heavy cracking of the now six-year-old belt. After being very disappointed with the quality of the after market dayco belt I decided to buy a factory original Toyota part. I expected this part, to have come from Japan. When the parts counter man handed me the belt, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall thickness and quality of this factory original part.

The belt was packaged in a sleeve that indicated it was a genuine Toyota part. And even included Japanese writing on it. But on the belt itself, it said made in the USA. I was blown away and asked Read the rest of this entry »

One of the hardest do it yourself auto repair tasks is solving automotive electrical problems on your own. To be successful you will need a wiring diagram in most cases. But even when you have this electrical diagram in your hand it can still be hard to understand and diagnose circuit malfunctions.

When you are tracing electrical circuits using a standard automotive wiring diagram you always want to work from the load or component back to the battery. Find the load device first, for example: light, horn, solenoid or actuator, then find its ground, and then find the battery on the diagram.

Trying to read a schematic from positive battery voltage to negative or ground does not work well. Always work from your load back toward the battery. This rule is important because it gives you a standard and correct direction of diagnosis. If you have proper power and grounds to your load component then you have just solved your problem on the first diagnostic test indicating that the failure is in the Read the rest of this entry »

Diesel pickup trucks have not had a large market share in the present or recent past. The automakers will try to change this in the very near future. The American pickup truck market has been the strongest sector for American-made vehicles during the last decade. Chevy Ford and Dodge have been supplying well-built long-lasting trucks to the power-hungry pickup truck market. The power plant in these vehicles has mainly been a large gas engine.

With the increasing need for every vehicle built to obtain the best possible fuel mileage, something has to happen. The most logical choice at this point would be to install a diesel power plant to preserve the power yet increase the fuel economy. The pickup truck manufacturers are betting that diesels will be a better answer for the power-hungry buyers in their market than a hybrid or alternative fueled truck.

The American buying public has resisted the diesel pickup truck for many reasons. Some of the leading reasons for this resistance would be Read the rest of this entry »

Gas caps will be a thing of the past as Ford Motor Company takes the lead and has begun to make good on a 2006 promise to get rid of the gas caps on its entire model lineup. Doing away with the pesky lids, which often wind up left on trunks or fenders or even dangling from cars as they fly down freeways. This project moves forward in the new 2009 F150 pickup truck. The quick refueling system is already on the 2008 Ford Explorer.

Ford’s top-selling F 150 will also have this new system, which was unveiled at the North American international auto show. It will be in your local showrooms and ford dealerships this fall. This new feature is also coming to the 2009 crossover vehicle the Lincoln MKS luxury sedan.

This new feature may not cause people to buy the trucks, but it is something that they will appreciate every time you fill up. The quick fueling system that was inspired by Ford’s NASCAR racing experience first appeared on the 2003 Ford GT sports car with rave reviews. Now every body can feel like the refueling chief on a race car pit crew.

How do you fill a fuel tank without a gas cap?

The race car inspired system has two small spring-loaded tabs that Read the rest of this entry »

A very popular performance upgrade is the replacement of a vehicles stock air intake system with a high-performance cold air induction system. The ease of installation and a large bang for the buck has made this one of the first stops on the do-it-yourself performance-enhancing modifications.

A brief understanding of your stock air intake system should be reviewed before you make this purchase and this modification.

The factory air intake system was designed by engineers to be efficient, and also quiet so that it would appeal to most drivers. Air induction components consist of the intake manifold; throttle body assembly, ductwork, air filter and air cleaner housing. Depending on the application, parallel air ducts may also be used to aid in silencing the air induction noise.

On systems that use mass airflow control, the integrity of the ductwork is extremely important. This is because a leak downstream of the mass airflow sensor will cause the engine to draw in UN metered air. As a result the air fuel ratio will become to lean. This can result in engine damage over a long-term situation.

When checking for air leaks on this type of system, look for in properly installed rigid ductwork and cracks in the flexible air intake hoses. While the condition of the intake plumbing may not be critical to mixture balance on speed density systems, missing or damaged ductwork or hoses can cause other performance problems.

For example, a leaking or damaged duct will allow the air intake system to draw in hot under Hood air, resulting in higher combustion chamber temperatures. This can not only cause spark knock but can cause excessive NOX emissions, which may prevent your vehicle from passing inspection or smog checks.

Understanding the layout of your factory installed air induction system will help make the modifications or the adding of a cold air intake system less problematic. After the installation of your k&n or other brand aftermarket high performance air intake system, you will want to monitor engine performance as well as fuel economy. Also if your check engine light comes on, directly after the installation of this new system. You want to do further research or visit the k&n website to find out if there are any other additional modifications required. You will also want to double-check your installation to assure that no air leaks have developed.

On demand hydrogen fuel system information Click Here!

Cold air intakes and free shipping at AutoAnything.com

My website has a new page posted that explains the history and operation of electronic fuel injection .

I know that this has been discussed often on the Internet, but I need to throw in my two cents as well. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under inflated tires cause more resistance to travel, and they force the engine to work harder. Let the tires cool down before checking their pressure. Car manufacturers are required to place a label in the car stating the correct tire pressure. This label may be found on the edge of the door or door jamb, in the glove box, or on the inside of the gas Compartment cover. This is depending on the year make and model. If the label lists a PSI range, use the higher number in order to maximize fuel efficiency.

It’s important to note that radial tires can be under inflated yet still looked normal, so check the tires with a gauge. Digital tire pressure gauges are the most accurate. An average tire loses about one psi of air per month and one psi for every 10 degree drop in temperature.

Changes in the ambient air temperature cause the tire pressure to fluctuate. This is why tire pressure should always be checked when the tires or cool, preferably in the morning before driving the car. It is recommended that you check your tires air pressure about once per month and before a long trip.

How does tire pressure effect miles per gallon

So how much does tire pressure affect mileage? A lot: under inflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase by as much as 6%, causes the tires to wear quicker, and can make it difficult to handle the vehicle. And while we’re on the subject of rolling gear, be sure your wheels are aligned and your brakes are properly adjusted to minimize rolling resistance. Out of line wheels, as evidenced by UN even tread wear should always be aligned by a professional.

Brakes should be checked for a dragging condition that can also drastically reduce fuel economy. Drum and disc brakes have lubrication points that I allow the brakes to fully release. These sliding mechanisms and lubrication points can become stuck or seized and increase the rolling resistance of the vehicle. These conditions will usually show themselves in, increased brake pad wear, and the need to replace breaks more often.

Thank you for listening to my two cents about fuel economy. Paying attention to the small details listed above will allow your vehicle to reach its maximum fuel economy potential. With gas prices well over three dollars per gallon this is very important.

In regards to increasing fuel economy beyond your vehicles, advertised capabilities. This is absolutely possible. There are groups of people that are thinking outside the box and taking action to increase their miles per gallon well beyond what the manufacturer states is normal.

There are several products on the market that use homemade hydrogen on demand systems to accomplish this. I found it so fascinating. I purchased one of these products and provide a full review that includes a couple of videos. Find out if water for gas is a scam.

New York City has taken a leadership role in working with today’s alternative fuels. The state of New Jersey has also been a large supporter of several different programs at the municipal and state government level. Both areas of the United States cited three basic reasons for continuing to push their programs forward. The three reasons cited are to clean up the air, create local jobs, and reduce dependency on imported fuel. Just as was desired by President George Bush senior in 1988 through 92 and again with Bill Clinton in 92 through 2000, and even continued on with our current President Bush.

Alternative fuels learn from history

With a history of more than a decade of alternative fuel vehicle use, what has been learned in these two states, and what works for government fleets. New York City’s Mark Simon of the department of transportation, assistant Commissioner Rocco D. Reiko of the Department of sanitation, and the New Jersey Department of treasury’s, recently shared insights from the relatively long experiences with alternative fuel vehicles. They cover the most popular and growing fuel choices, all of which provide a reduction in petroleum fuel use, better or as good emission levels, and minimal upset to existing fleet procedures and operations.

Both New York City and New Jersey were early adopters of hybrid light duty vehicles in 2001. Both have a mix of Toyota previous and Ford escape vehicles. Both report that everything is going on about as advertised with these hybrid units. For the prius fuel economy in New York City was reported about 40 miles per gallon, whereas the New Jersey fleet reported about 48 miles per gallon. The New Jersey miles per gallon is surprising because hybrids have better fuel economy rating in city traffic. But the mpg figure reflects both the actual driving cycle and the amount of air conditioning used in the vehicle. The New York’s city fleet is enormous and has more than 1700 generation one and generation 2 Toyota previous hybrids and Ford escape hybrids.

New Jersey’s hybrid fleet is more modest comprising of only 91 prius and 44 Ford escape hybrid vehicles. Buying the Toyota prius was an expensive endeavor, but the fuel savings have been significant. In addition, service problems have been minimal, and no premature battery failures were reported in New Jersey or New York City. Reported savings of about 600 gallons per vehicle per year compared to a conventional vehicle. These results were significant enough for both states to receive approvals from local governments and city councils to continue this program.

Mark is a master mechanic and a member of the society of automobile engineers (SAE). You can learn more about hybrid vehicles at his latest report on the status of the alternative fuels vehicle.

alternativefuels hybridcars hybridvehicles alternativefuelvehicles alternatefuel

Finding a discount for all the services that you’ll need on a daily basis is definitely challenging, and when you’re looking for low car insurance, you’ll want to know all the places that offer affordable insurance with great features. Here are some of the features you should be looking for when it comes to low car insurance in order to help you save money and time.

One of the things you should look for when you’re trying to find insurance for your motor vehicle is the duration of your policy. In most cases, you will have to renew your policy every year, but you can find shorter, temporary policies that will give you the option of switching your insurance to another company if you are unsatisfied within a few months. You may even be eligible for insurance policies as a benefit of your employment, so be sure to check with your boss for more details.

The features your car insurance company has to offer will also help you to make your decision. For instance, are you looking for insurance for your motorcycle, boat, or a second car? Do you also want health insurance or life insurance from your motor vehicle insurance company? If so, you can find a number of companies, such as AIG and All State, that will give you an insurance package that will cover all the insurance that you need.

The benefits that are available to you when you have an insurance policy is also important; Direct Insurance, as well as GMAC and Geico offer features like incentives for safe drivers, accidental damage coverage and even new car replacement if you happen to be in an accident and you are no longer able to drive your car. Your car insurance company may also have medical insurance coverage if you need to go the hospital or extend a hospital stay due to an automobile accident.

If you log on to sites like progressive or esurance, you can compare cheap car insurance prices side by side and even purchase your policy online. If you are currently enrolled in school or a new driver, there are plenty of options for you as well. Low car insurance is dependent upon the features that you need in your insurance policy, but these sites (as well as the companies listed above) will most likely have a policy that will work well for you and your family.

Free Extended Warranty Quote - Save $1000’s on Costly Auto Repairs.

Mark has a car website choked full of free information. View his latest case study article about real online auto repair stories. For more information on protecting your wallet and your vehicle visit his page about using online auto repair manuals to confirm pricing on your automotive repairs.

Mud flaps, also knows as a splash guards, are more than just your standard rubber variety truck and auto accessories. It is more than a useful quality auto accessory that protects your truck from flying dirt, slush, or road debris. The mud flap has become a blank slate where a driver can plaster his or her personality in the form of great truck and car accessories that can protect as well as make others laugh.

The Most Famous Mud Flaps

The most iconic of these truck and car accessories characters is simply known as “The Mud Flap Girl”. We’ve all seen her before: She’s the buxom silver silhouette of a long-legged beauty lounging with one leg provocatively crossed over the other, hair blowing in the wind. Bill Zinda of Wiz Enterprises in Long Beach, California, created this famous character to promote his line of truck and auto accessories and based the character upon a famous model named Leta Laroe.

Another famous character to make an appearance on these truck and car accessories is Yosemite Sam pointing his two cartoon pistols with a caption beneath declaring, “Back Off!” or, “All Fired Up”. Other Warner Brother characters have also made appearances, such as a frightened Daffy Duck and an overly upset Tweety Bird.

These mud flap characters are so engrained in our psych that they have gone beyond truck and car accessories and began appearing in commercials together. One famous commercial created for the Superbowl in 2006 had the Mud Flap Girl and Yosemite Sam driving away in a Honda Ridgeway.

Sadly, it appears that both of these figures have been targeted by legislation, when officials in Arizona tried to pass a ban on the two icons on the grounds of political correctness (one promoting sex and the other promoting gun violence). For the time being, the legislation on these truck and auto accessories has been struck down.

As long as that law doesn’t pass, you can find quality auto accessories and mud flaps that can have anything on them from your favorite sports team logo to the picture of your dog.

Self-expression isn’t a reason to sacrifice quality auto accessories anymore. You can find many manufacturers who can produce a mud flap to your vehicle and personality type. Whether you want a skull and crossbones or the Ghostbusters logo, mud flaps can be created with top-of-the-line materials to let you “keep on truckin’”.

The most popular use of custom mud flaps nowadays are for company vehicles. If you’ve ever been caught behind a large semi on the highway, or maybe stuck in traffic behind a moving van, you may have noticed that mud flaps are an effective advertising tool. Most companies spend a little extra in this truck and auto accessory to manipulate their vehicles to carry the company name and phone number on mud flaps.

More than mere truck and auto accessories, mud flaps can be a unique form of showing off who you are or acting as a clever bit of advertising. Never before have truck and car accessories been so interesting, versatile and amusing while it protects!

Truck Accessories to consider

Truck options don’t just stop at what you get from the dealer. Accessories can turn your working vehicle into something enjoyable and pleasant to drive all the time. But do you know what accessories you can add to your truck to get the most out of it? Your heavy-duty Chevy or Ford might be in need of a nerf bar or a rear spoiler.

Even older trucks could use some help with vehicle accessories, like a new dash kit to give your truck a fresh look. For more great information on where I get my truck and car accessories. My single favorite upgrade that I have done on my own truck is explained here on my ipod truck intergration page.