What is a Hybrid Vehicle (HV)?

A hybrid vehicle (HV) is a vehicle that uses two or more fuel sources like:

-An on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a fueled power source for vehicle force

-Human powered bicycle with battery assist

-A sail boat with electric energy

-The term most commonly refers to Hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) which includes internal ignition engines and electric motors (generally sourced by electric batteries or other rechargeable energy storage system (RESS).

HV History

One of the original hybrid vehicles were simply boats with both sails and oars, like the Greek Trireme Warships. These used a sail for traveling with the wind, and the oars for when there was insufficient wind, or in circumstances that the sail was unfavorable (such as naval combat, in the case of the triremes).

Hybrid forms by engines

Hybrid Electric Petroleum Vehicles (HEPV)

When the term hybrid vehicle is used, it most often refers to a Hybrid electric vehicle. These encompass such vehicles as the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Insight and others. A petroleum-electric hybrid most commonly uses internal combustion engines (generally gasoline or Diesel engines, powered by a variety of fuels) and electric batteries to power electric motors. There are many types of petroleum-electric hybrid drivetrains from Full hybrid to Mild hybrid which offer varying advantages and disadvantages

Hybrid Fuel (dual mode)

In addition to vehicles that use two or more different tactics for force, some also consider vehicles that use separate energy input types (“fuels”) using the same tank and engine to be hybrids, although to avoid misunderstanding with hybrids as described above and to use correctly the terms, these are depicted as dual mode vehicles;

Some electric trolley/buses can switch between an on board diesel engine and overhead electrical power depending on conditions.

Elastic-fuel vehicles can use a mixture of put in fuels (petroleum and biofuels) in one tank, classically gasoline and bioethanol or biobutanol, though biodiesel vehicles would also qualify. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) are very different from each other and cannot be used in the same tanks, so it would be impossible to build an (LPG - CNG) flexible fuel system.

Some vehicles have been modified to use another fuel source if it is available, such as cars modified to run on LPG and Diesels or CNG and Petrol.

Power aid devices for bicycles and other human sourced vehicles are also included.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) is an up-and-coming type of automobile which can use traditional liquid combustibles and electricity as fuels. Such vehicles could reduce fossil fuel consumption, pollution, and operating costs. If equipped with vehicle to grid technology they could also help stabilize the electric grid by acting as load balance devices. By reducing the amount of liquid fuel required they could also help biofuels meet a larger portion of our fuel demands.

Continuously Recharged Battery Electric Vehicle (CRBEV)

Say in perfect conditions, CRBEVs can be recharged while the user drives. The CRBEV starts contact with an electrified rail, plate or overhead wires on the highway via an attached conducting wheel or other similar mechanism. The CRBEV’s batteries are recharged by this process on the highway and can then be used normally on other roads.

Advantages of Frequent Car Washing

Sense Superior

Washing your car every day is just like taking a shower every day - you just sense superior afterward.

Save Time

If you wash your car every day; the average time to have your vehicle completely clean and waxed is 6 - 9 minutes.

Shield Your Asset

A good finish on your vehicle means a higher resale value.

Ownership Dignity

Your car looks better clean rather than dirty, and you have to take care of your car.

Preventative Protection

All vehicles, regardless of the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.) require regular washing throughout the year, just like a good maintenance program prolongs the life and performance of your car.

Time Factor

Time is a contributing factor that can harm your car's exterior. The longer an attacking substance is on the vehicle, the greater the probability and extent of damage.

Acid Rain

Emissions from chemical plants, fossil fuels, power plants and the internal combustion engine are transported and altered in our atmosphere. When deposited onto your cars’ surface in either a wet or dry state, they become sulfuric or nitric acids which, if left on the surface, can eat the paint.

High Temperature Damages

High temperature accelerates problems. The acids in bugs, bird droppings, tree sap and leaves becomes more vigorous through heat. Metal retains this heat and enhances the changes of permanent stains.

Sun Burns

Sunlight exposure, with its ultraviolet rays, accelerates the aging process and diminishes the gloss on your finish. Protective coatings and sealants are necessary to provide a protective barrier while enhancing your exterior's gloss and shine.

Harmful Salt

Sea and road salt cause a chemical reaction that can accelerate the pitting and rusting of your car's surface. The undercarriage is especially prone to this damage due to many out-of-sight areas where salt can lodge.

Clean Wheels

Road dust and brake dust cling to wheels and hubcaps. If not removed, they can actually permeate the metal, causing major damage.

How to Drive

There are numerous stuffs that need you to drive, such as a normal car, a racing car, a tractor, a truck, a bus or a motor boat. All possibly will involve a different driving method, but each of them requires obtaining driving lessons, of some kind. Driving is not just getting into an automobile and getting off. There are a lot of safety measures that have to applied and discovered.

Steps

Get a driver's or learner's permit, if your state requires one.

Find a reputable drivers school and take driving lessons.

Study the driving rules in the book that you received when you signed up for the permit. If you do not learn the rules, and how to use them, you cannot get your license.

Practice with someone on a daily basis. It could be a friend, or a relative. Make sure that they have excellent driving knowledge, and that they have the patience to be sitting beside you, while you learn.

Watch others while they drive and ask questions. While there is no substitute for firsthand practice, this can be a good opportunity to review rules and techniques.

Apply for your driving test, after the required amount of lessons. The test involves, usually, depending on the state, a written test as well as a driving test.

Pass both tests, and you will be permitted to drive.

Tips

If possible, try to sign up for grassroots motorsports events to practice car control. Autocross is an especially useful event to participate in, as it provides a safe environment for you to learn car control at relatively low speeds. Active safety is also an important step to being a good driver.

Most people find it easier to start with a vehicle that has an automatic transmission. This will get you out on the road faster, but learning to drive manual is a very valuable skill, even though it has a steeper learning curve.

A copy of your state's "rules of the road" can be gotten from any Department of Licensing office. You may also be able to find one online.

Always remember what you have learned in driving school. As soon as you get into the car, even before putting the key into the ignition, put on your seat belt.

Adjust your mirrors, both side and top to make sure you have a good view of the cars on either side and behind you.

Always use your hand signals, or car turn signals. Remember that the person in the car behind you cannot read your mind. They don't know which direction you are going to move unless you signal.

If you're completely new behind the wheel, find someplace safe to get a feel for controlling a car the first time. Start on a slow back road or large, empty parking lot, out of traffic.

If you fail the driving test, try a different licensing office next time. Some of them are tougher graders than others.

Warnings

Always drive at least a car length behind the car in front of you. If you have to make a fast stop, you do not want to crash into the front car. When going fast, mainly 60 mph or more, you will need even more than one car length in order to come safely to a stop, so understand and observe the two-second rule, as outlined in the Wikipedia link below. Take weather and road conditions into account.

Know your vehicle; how long it takes to stop, the responsiveness of the steering wheel, etc.

Use caution when driving. Do not speed, nor drive too slowly.

NEVER drink While and before driving.

NEVER drive if you are very tired.

ALWAYS wear a seatbelt!

Try not to stop suddenly unless its an emergency. This is especially true of higher end vehicles such as sports cars, as they have brakes that vehicles behind you can barely match in stopping power. Sudden stops can lead to vehicles behind you ploughing into your rear.

Note: This article can only guide you on your way to driving so don't depend on it as your only source.

How to Drive a Car

There are various kinds of automobile that you can learn how to drive, however, there are certain steps that you have to keep it in your mind when driving a normal car.

Prepare your self for the experience! Riding with you is a matter of life or death.

Keep the car in good working order before you drive it. Checking everything every once in a while is a good idea.

Have insurance and the paper to prove it.

Make sure somewhere in your checklist when you exit the vehicle that you turn off the lights.

Have your license with you.

Avoid parking illegally, your car may be towed, or you may be cited and have to pay a fine.

Be courteous to the others on the road.

Don't run red lights.

Carry cash for toll booths and tips for parking attendants.

Be safe and follow all the posted and implied laws while driving.

Learn to drive. It might be a good idea to take professional lessons from a driving institute. However, if this is not possible, enlist the aid of your staffer who is a careful driver and has been driving for a while.

Be alert. Check the rear view and side mirrors; make sure you can see all traffic and pedestrians behind you and in front of you. Make it a habit to know that you have mirrors and use them every few seconds while driving.

Watch out for bigger vehicles like trucks, buses, semis, and SUVs that charge the road. Sometimes people with big cars drive like bullies, and you need to understand that if your car comes head to head with them, your car will lose.

Tips

If your car is equipped with ABS, you must press the brake as hard as you can in emergency stop. This will activate ABS and bring your car to a complete stop in the shortest distance while allowing you to retain control over your car. Do not 'pump' the brake nor loosen the force applied to the pedal no matter what. While ABS is active, you may feel vibration through the brake pedal but this is expected and completely normal. Just continue pressing the brake as hard as possible until your car stops.

Take it easy. Slow down, put on some relaxing music and just cruise. You may be surprised how much less stress is involved in driving if you eliminate the need to hurry. Give yourself extra time and learn to enjoy driving.

Wear your seat belt: your face will thank you later.

Practice makes perfect.


Warnings

Always follow the rules of the road valid for your state or country. Make sure you know all the rules before starting to drive, or else you or your car might be badly damaged.

Remember, if your car is equipped with ABS, never pump your brake. Just brake as hard as you can.

Be aware of any limitations of provisional licenses, for example in the UK you cannot drive on a motorway without a full license.

Make sure you practice uphill starts when learning to operate a manual transmission. Because starting a manual transmission from a stop requires letting off the brakes and engaging the clutch (essentially placing the car in neutral), the car will roll backwards until first gear is engaged. To stop this from happening, apply the hand/parking brake, then release it as you release the clutch and the car begins to move forward. Otherwise, you risk rolling into the car behind you. Practice this technique on a sloped driveway or parking lot where it's safe to make mistakes.

In some cities, shifting late (just before red-lining) not only makes you sound like a maniac, it can also be considered "reckless driving", which is illegal and can get you a nasty ticket/fine.

Never shift into low gears at high speeds (i.e. 1st gear at 50mph). This will greatly damage or destroy your cars engine and transmission.

This is by no means a replacement to going to drivers ed.!

Street racing is dangerous, and illegal in most countries, so don't act stupid!
Always wear a seatbelt!

Always use your turn signal, and use low beam headlights when there is an approaching vehicle or when there is a vehicle in front of your vehicle.
Make sure you're in the CORRECT lane while driving.

DO NOT drink and drive. You could kill yourself or someone else.

Note: This article can only guide you on your way to driving so don't depend on it as your only source.

Driving More Efficiently

Practicing the following fuel efficient driving techniques can improve fuel economy more than 10%:

Observing the Speed Limit

In highway driving, over 50% of the energy required to move your car down the road goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag (pushing air out of the way). As you drive faster, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance increase. As a result, at speeds above 55 mph, fuel economy decreases rapidly.

By driving 65 mph instead of 70 mph , you'll save gas. Of course it will take you longer to get to your destination, but for each extra hour you spend driving you'll save $5.00. Owners of larger trucks and sport utility vehicles may save as much as $10.00 for each extra hour spent driving.

Staying within the speed limit is not only a matter of safety and obeying the law, it can also save you money!

Over-drive Gears

Over-drive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving. When you use over-drive gearing your car's engine speed decreases. This reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear.

Using Cruise Control

Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will reduce your fuel consumption.

Anticipating Traffic Situations

In city driving, nearly 50% of the energy needed to power your car goes to acceleration. Unnecessary braking wastes that energy.

Avoid extreme acceleration except in emergency situations. Hard acceleration causes your engine to enter a less efficient "fuel enrichment mode" of operation.

If you anticipate traffic conditions ahead of you and don't tailgate, you can avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, and improve your fuel economy by 5-10 %. This defensive driving strategy is not only safer, it will also reduce wear on your tires and brakes and save you money.

Avoiding Unnecessary Idling

Warming up your car isn't necessary for most cars today. No matter how efficient your car is, unnecessary idling wastes fuel, costs you money, and pollutes the air.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Your tires are designed to operate at peak efficiency only when they are inflated to the proper air pressure. You can read the maximum inflated tire pressure on the sidewall of the tire. By adhering to these recommendations your car will not only get better tire wear, but you will get better fuel mileage because you'll have less rolling resistance.

How To Calculate Your Vehicle's MPG - Miles-Per-Gallon?

I was asked by one of my blog visitors what the formula is for calculating how many miles-per-gallon she was getting on her car. Then it hit me that while I've been calculating my own cars' MPG for years it never dawned on me that some people didn't know how to do this.

So here's how to calculate your own car's MPG:

1. Fill up your fuel tank and write down the odometer reading from your speedometer.

2. Drive the car until you need to fill the tank again. Let it go down to about 1/4 of a tank or less.

3. Fill the tank again and record the odometer reading and the number of gallons it took to fill it. Be precise; record the gallons exactly including the portion of a gallon usually represented by a decimal in hundreds of a gallon. For example 15.78 gallons.

4. Subtract the previous odometer reading from the new one to determine how may miles you have driven between fill-ups.

5. Now simply divide the miles traveled by the number of gallons used. This will tell you how many miles-per-gallon you are getting.

6. For example let's say you went 356 miles between fill-ups, and it took 15.78 gallons to fill the tank. Well, 356 miles divided by 15.78 gallons equals 22.56. So you got 22.56 miles-per-gallon on that last tank of gas.

7. Check your miles-per-gallon over four or five fill-ups to get a good cross section of different driving conditions such as city, highway and so forth. Then take all your calculations and average them out (add them together and divide by the number of calculations) to get an overall picture of your gas mileage.

Driving - Understeer

When you reach the limits of grip on a corner, two scenarios can result known as understeer or oversteer.

Understeer – An overview

Understeer occurs when traction is lost at the front wheels while cornering, forcing you wide on a bend despite applying the correct steering angle (Figure 1). When viewed by an observer, this action looks as if the driver has applied insufficient steering lock (or under steered). If you're car is understeering, you're scrubbing off speed and missing the optimum line, so it's not a quick way to take a bend!

Figure: Understeer

Despite applying a corrective steering angle, the car continues on a wider line towards the outside of the bend.

Understeer is most likely to result from the following scenarios (which are more difficult to correct as you move down the list):

1. Accelerating into a bend
2. Braking into a corner
3. Ploughing into a corner too fast
4. Low traction conditions on the corner such as ice or oil

Having lost traction, understeer is actually a fairly stable state for the car to be in, and thus many manufacturers 'engineer in' this behaviour.

Understeer – factors at work

Passive factors involved

- Weight distribution
- Drive layout

Active factors involved

- Cornering speed
- Throttle
- Braking
- Steering inputs
- Weight transfer

Symptoms of understeer

- Light steering
- Drifting towards the outside of a bend
- Possible tyre noise from the front wheels

Correcting understeer

To correct any form of traction loss, you need to consider why you've exceeded the limits of grip….

1. Accelerating into a bend

Picture the scene, you're on a roundabout about to take the third exit but you think it might be a laugh to go round again. You keep accelerating through the bend and find that the car has a tendency to run wide. The available grip at the front wheels is being used in equal amounts to accelerate and to steer. As you accelerate more, you have less grip to steer – simple. So, reducing either of these inputs will correct the understeer.

This is the easiest form of understeer to correct, and a slight, smooth reduction in power will free up more grip (with the added benefit of a forward weight transfer), and a small corrective input to the steering will get you back on line.

2. Braking into a corner

When you apply the brakes, most of the braking effort is exerted on the front wheels. So if you're braking into the corner you're using most of your available grip trying to scrub off speed. If you then exert some steering lock, the addition of these lateral forces on the tyre can cause the limits of grip to be exceeded. So, correcting understeer seems simple - stop trying to turn the corner (a better plan might be to get your braking out of the way while you're in a straight line). However, if you happen to be in the middle of a bend as your car starts to understeer, continuing straight on might not seem like the best plan. An alternative strategy could be to reduce your braking effort, freeing up more grip for steering and hopefully allowing you to take the bend successfully.

3. Ploughing into a corner too fast

If you have attempted to take a corner too fast, have turned the steering wheel, and find yourself running wide, you my friend are in a spot of bother. But before you close your eyes and hope for the best, all may not be lost. You've exceeded all of the available grip, yes, but it may be possible to actually increase the level of grip by the slightest, smoothest dab on the brakes. "The brakes?!", I hear you shout, "but surely that is adding to the demands of the tyres, not reducing them?". This is very true, but if you're not totally out of control by pressing the brakes you're causing the weight to transfer to the front, and thus artificially increasing the levels of adhesion at the wheels. This may, however, not work. The moral is to enter the corner at a slower speed, then get on the power early on the way out.

4. Low traction conditions

If you've entered a corner at speed and notice a sudden reduction in traction due to oil, black ice or a banana skin, the best course of action (in the immortal words of Douglas Adams) is to consider how lucky you are that life has been kind to you so far.

If life hasn't been kind to you, consider how lucky you are that it won't be bothering you much longer.

Alternatively, be careful, think about the conditions and adjust your entry speed accordingly.

Avoiding understeer – rules

- Be smooth
- Don't enter the corner too fast
- Don't brake (hard) into the corner unless you are using trail braking

Trail braking

In some situations on the track, it may be possible to get a better time by leaving your braking to the very last minute, forcing you to maintain braking into the turn. If this is the case, ensure most of the braking effort has been carried out in a straight line, and progressively release the brakes as you approach the apex. The resulting forward weight transfer can reduce understeer and improve 'turn in', however, it can also make the car more prone to oversteer.

Simple modifications to make a car less prone to understeer

If you have a track car and find understeer a problem, you can complete some relatively easy modifications which can make the handling more neutral. These include:

- Reducing the front tyre pressure
- Softening front springs or anti-roll bar
- Use softer front tyres
- Increase front down force (if aerodynamics fitted)

Note: Always stick to the manufacturers recommended limits when altering tyre pressures, and never modifiy a road car.