October 28th, 2009 by engineering magazines
In the United States auto market, the highest selling luxury brand is the Lexus. The brand is a division of the Japanese car company Toyota Motor Corporation. Its popularity among luxury car buyer is evident on the increasing acceptance of the Japanese brand in the United States auto scene.
One of the most notable models from the brand is the LS 460. The model is the ultra-luxury model of the brand. It made its debut at the 2006 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) and since then has received positive reviews and feedbacks from consumers. Recently, the vehicle is named as the 2007 Best Engineered Vehicle by the Automotive Engineering International Magazine.
The Lexus LS 460 received the distinction after it received the most votes from AEI’s subscribers. Kevin Jost, the Editor-In-Chief of the magazine, has this to say about the award: “The voters had good reason for choosing the Lexus LS 460. ‘The LS 460 brings consumers at least nine world-firsts, including safety breakthroughs such as an advanced obstacle-detection system, emergency-steering assist and rear pre-crash systems. For driving pleasure, there’s also an eight-speed automatic transmission.” Indeed, the LS 460 is packed with a variety of features never before seen in a luxury vehicle.
One of the cutting edge features employed by the Lexus LS 460, as stated by Jost, is the eight-speed automatic transmission. This technology allows the vehicle to accelerate quickly since it provides smooth gear changes in with a wide variety of gear ratios. The smooth transmission also reduces the amount of power wasted thus increasing fuel efficiency.
The pre-crash safety systems are also a first for an automobile and the LS 460 provides such. This means that the vehicle not only provides a good performance but also protects its occupants. The obstacle-detection system provides drivers with sufficient warning to avoid possible accidents. The driver-monitoring system is also a feature of the Lexus LS 460. With this technology, safety can be checked basing on the driver’s capacity to properly drive the vehicle.
Safety features also include the emergency-steering assist which checks oversteer and understeer. With the use of sensors and advanced electronic programs, this vehicle can provide valuable steering assistance to avoid or minimize the risk of accidents.
Aside from the said features, the Lexus LS 460 also employs an intelligent powertrain control system. This system adapts to the engine’s need for power and other variables to provide good performance and respectable fuel efficiency. Rear collisions are also one of the most dangerous accidents a motorist can encounter.
To reduce the risk of severe injury caused by rear end collisions, the Lexus LS 460 features a rear pre-crash safety system. Its roof climate diffusers are also one of the advanced features that the LS 460 boasts of. Another advanced feature that made the LS 460 the top choice for most luxury car owners is the VVT-IE electrically actuated camshaft phasers. These features fused with Lexus performance parts truly make this one of the most advanced cars in the world today.
Winning the coveted title is made even sweeter by the fact that it outclassed some of the most famous vehicles. The Lexus LS 460 took the first spot with the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra taking the second spot. The Silverado and the Sierra are acknowledged for their remarkable fuel efficiency.
These General Motors vehicles are known to squeeze 20 miles for every gallon. This is despite the fact that the Sierra and the Silverado are both full-size pickup trucks equipped with humongous V8 engines. Taking the third spot is the sports car from German car manufacturer Porsche, the Porsche 911 Turbo. The sports car made is acknowledged as one of the best engineered vehicles due to its advanced materials and aerodynamic engineering.
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July 3rd, 2009 by engineering magazines
Some owners keep their automobiles running like finely tuned Swiss watches. They carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual. They buy premium grade oil, order regular check-ups and rush to the repair shop when they detect any unusual noise.
However, most of us are inclined to skimp a little on maintenance and some of us never see the repair shop until the car quits. Sometimes this is due to finances but most of the time it is a matter of convenience. We need our cars to take us where we have to go and we’re reluctant to give them up even for a short period of time.
But, now that gasoline is still at astronomical prices, we need to re-think our maintenance practices. Letting some things go can cost us money in extra fuel consumption. For instance, repairing a faulty oxygen sensor can result in a 40% improvement in gas mileage. Tuning an engine can increase mileage by 4%.
You should be sure that your air filter is always clean. If your engine is fuel injected, airflow regulates the quantity of fuel that is burned. The process of mixing air and fuel is quite precise so the filter needs to be clean to ensure an efficient mixture. The air filter also protects your engine from impurities, extending the life of the engine as well as saving on gas.
It is also important to check oil regularly and change dirty oil. An engine with clean oil operates at maximum efficiency, which translates into gas savings. You should definitely use the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer. Using one weight oil in an engine designed for a different weight can lower gas mileage up to 2%.
You can also realize greater efficiency from using a high-quality multi-grade oil but if there is a price difference you need to compare the costs involved.
And when your tires are not properly inflated, your gas mileage decreases by 5%. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that millions of American cars run on tires that are not correctly inflated. Correctly inflated tires will also last longer and are safer.
The owner’s manual always states the correct pressure for the tires. If you are driving a pre-owned car with no owner’s manual, you can call a local dealer or research the information on the net.
Radial tires are supposed to improve gas mileage by 5% when driving in the city and by 7% when driving on a highway. So if you don’t already use radials, you might consider switching.
Another benefit of radial tires is that they last longer. However, you should be careful not to mix radials with conventional tires unless the owner’s manual clearly states that this procedure is acceptable for that model car.
In addition, tires need to be properly balanced. Properly balanced tires reduce road friction thereby increasing fuel efficiency.
You also need to check wheel alignment to ensure that wheels are properly aligned. Wheels that are out of alignment also cause your car to burn extra fuel.
Although the savings from each practice might be small, the overall savings is worth the extra effort.
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July 2nd, 2009 by engineering magazines
Check out the amazing New MUV from Mahindra – The Mahindra Xylo
Did you know that just cleaning your car can drastically improve fuel economy? Or that traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day? Browse through these car care or auto repair tips and find out how to get the best out of your Mahindra Xylo, keep your vehicle in good shape for years to come and discover ways to make your journey safer and more enjoyable.
Car Care and Auto Repair
Car Engine Oil
It is normal for engines to consume some car engine oil during operation. If the Oil Pressure warning light glows continuously, check the car engine oil level and add the recommended grade of oil if necessary. Use Mahindra Maximile Premium Engine Oil only. It is ideal for your Mahindra Xylo.
Note:
Car Engine oil consumption depends upon the viscosity and quality of the oil, and upon the conditions in which the vehicle is driven. Oil consumption will be more during high speed driving and frequent acceleration and deceleration. A new engine will consume more car engine oil since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls are not conditioned.
Battery
If the battery terminal is corroded, wash it with a solution of warm water and baking soda.
Check the battery exterior for corroded and loose terminal connections.
Be sure the engine and all accessories are turned ‘OFF’ before performing maintenance.
Always disconnect the negative terminal cable first from the battery.
Check the electrolyte level at intervals of 3 months. If the level is below the lower marker, add distilled water until the level reaches the upper marker.
Tires
Inspect your vehicle’s tires by performing the following checks.
Measure the air pressure with a tire gauge. Adjust, if necessary.
Check for abnormal wear, cracks and any damage. If a tire shows abnormal wear, have it inspected by your Mahindra Dealer. Replace, if needed.
Increasing Fuel Efficiency
Get up to 25% more fuel efficiency from your Mahindra Xylo by following these tips.
Sudden bursts of speed can prove costly. Accelerate steadily, brake gradually. Plan your trip and pace your speed. And avoid high traffic density roads. Rolling in neutral saves 15-20 cc of fuel. Ensure perfect wheel balance and you can cover up to 20% of your distance in neutral. Wrong tyre pressure is a drain on fuel. Check the owner’s manual for the correct tyre pressure for your Mahindra Xylo. Better still invest in a tyre pressure gauge. Use oils & fluids recommended by the manufacturer.
Only Mahindra knows what oils & fluids your Mahindra Xylo needs. Buy only what is recommended in the manual.
Excessive cooling increases fuel consumption. Switch off the AC when it’s not needed. Keep the refrigerant topped up. Get the AC checked regularly. Use the tachometer to save fuel. Your owner’s manual will tell you how to shift gears according to the Tachometer and thus save fuel. Going easy on the clutch saves fuel. Take your foot off the clutch pedal if you’re not shifting gears. And when you do use it, remember to depress it completely. Remove the 3rd row to reduce fuel usage. Fill only as much fuel as needed. It reduces extra weight, unwanted spillage and evaporation losses. Dirt soaks up fuel. Remove dirt from wheel arches, drip rails and other such places. It could reduce weight by almost 15 kg. Go easy on accessories.
Accessories such as roof carriers and bumper extensions drag down fuel efficiency. Listen to music and save fuel – When stuck in traffic, turn off the engine and switch on the car deck.
Check out the amazing New MUV from Mahindra – The Mahindra Xylo
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June 14th, 2009 by engineering magazines
Most people are aware that diesel engines get better gas consumption than gas engines. They burn fuel more efficiently than gas engines so they require less fuel. But the added fuel efficiency comes with a price. Diesel engines are much heavier than gas engines in order to sustain the stress of higher compression ratios.
Diesel engines have better pull in the gears, which reduces the need for constant gear changing. But they typically vibrate more and are noisier under the hood. They also accelerate more slowly than petrol-driven
cars. So there are some downsides to driving a diesel. You gain fuel efficiency and your environmental brownie points while sacrificing some speed and peacefulness when driving.
But fear not, there are many newer technologies that allow diesels to overcome some of these short-fallings. Turbo diesel engines accelerate quickly, and other technological improvements have resulted in diesel-powered cars that are much quieter and pleasant to drive than their predecessors.
What are the green benefits of diesel? They typically deliver twenty to forty percent better gas mileage than gasoline-powered models. They also emit one third less carbon dioxide (Popular
Science, May 2007).
Interestingly, diesel engines don’t have an ignition system, so they don’t need to be tuned up. And because diesel isn’t as corrosive as gas, the exhaust system on a diesel vehicle lasts much longer. Diesel engines are work horses and are often found in industrial vehicles.
While they do experience greater longevity than gas-powered engines, they do require careful, periodic maintenance. The oil needs to be changed more often because it gets dirtier faster. This is probably because diesel fuel isn’t as refined as gasoline. The air filter also needs to be changed at least once a year. The glow plugs also should be replaced at least every two years.
If the vehicle will be operating in a cold climate, a block heater may need to be installed to ensure success when starting in the cold. This is even more necessary in diesel engines because they use thicker, heavy grade oil
Diesel engines are built to last. If you take care of yours, it will be around for a long time. Since it typically costs more to service a diesel vehicle than a gas-powered one, you should follow a regular maintenance schedule. Take care of any small problems before they turn into costly ones. With impressive new technologies, increasing environmental awareness, and sky-rocketing gas prices, there is no question that diesel vehicles will always be in demand.
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May 19th, 2009 by engineering magazines
Treating your car to both regular and major tune ups will certainly improve its performance, prolong the life of its engine and dramatically increase fuel efficiency. With today’s constantly increasing fuel prices, it pays to keep your engine in top condition to minimize gas consumption.
Major engine tune ups can be pretty expensive when done by the dealer. It will be more practical to get to know a mechanic who owns a garage to ensure you won’t get ripped off. Or you can perform a do it yourself tune up and maintenance of your car’s engine. Here are some basic tips.
Ignition and electrical systems
Inspect your car battery levels four times a year at the very least, at each season change. Top off low levels with distilled water. Remove corrosion from cable clamps and terminals by using a wire brush and a little baking soda. This practice will extend battery life.
Spark plugs should be replaced every 35,000 miles, or if they’re platinum, replacements are required every 65,000 miles. Check the spark plug for cracks and corrosion and change them if damaged. Get high quality cables for added durability and reliable performance.
Get a new distributor cap with each major tune up, if the cap is not attached permanently to the spark plug cables. Also replace the rotor of your distributor, if it has one, as some new model cars don’t have either a distributor cap or a rotor.
If your car is a 1978 model or older, replace the contact points and condenser. Newer car models have electronic ignitions and don’t require condensers or contact points. Contact points should be aligned or replaced two times a year.
Oil and fuel systems
Unless your car has hydraulic valves, adjustment of valve covers is a necessity. While you’re at it, also replace the valve cover gasket. If done properly, this will prevent oil from leaking out on top of the car engine.
Inspect the timing belt and readjust or replace it if needed. Electronic ignition-equipped cars don’t often come with timing belts, while some do, so you have to be certain.
Inspect the fan belt and other belts. If they are cracked, frazzled or worn out, consider replacing them at once.
If your car has a fuel injector, you don’t need to clean it regularly. Clean it only if it gets clogged and use only clean fuel bought at a gas station. The fuel filter needs to be changed every 35,000 miles.
The air filter has to be replaced every 15,000 miles, or if it is already covered with dirt. Keeping your air filter clean ensures a more efficient fuel burn, thus minimizing gas consumption.
Brakes and clutch
If your car has a manual transmission, the clutch will require certain adjustments. Newer model cars are now equipped with adjustable clutch. Consult you manufacturer’s manual to be certain.
Oil, brake and transmission fluids should have their levels checked every week, or before and after long drives. Have an oil change and oil filter replacement every 3,000 miles as having clean engine oil prolongs the engine’s life.
You can do your own tune ups to increase fuel efficiency, gain better engine performance and offer a smoother ride. This is not an assurance that you won’t run into any car troubles, but do it yourself car tune ups will save you a lot of money in maintenance and repairs.
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Tags: Crash Safety, Crash Systems, Gear Changes, Gear Ratios, Increasing Fuel Efficiency, International Auto Show, Japanese Brand, Japanese Car Company, Lexus Ls 460, Luxury Brand, Luxury Model, Luxury Vehicle, New York International Auto Show, Nyias, Obstacle Detection, Smooth Transmission, System Emergency, Toyota Motor Corporation, United States Auto, World Firsts
