TOP GEAR RULES

Voltec propulsion system, one of the “10 Best Engines”

Voltec propulsion systemWard’s AutoWorld magazine in the US has declared that Chevrolet Volt’s Voltec propulsion system is one of the “10 Best Engines”. The Voltec propulsion system pairs a magnificent range-extending engine and pure electric drive (with 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack).

With the range-extending engine, Volt can be driven until 379 miles before filling up or charging. And the battery can generate 149-hp electric drive. By using the storage energy in the battery only, the Volt can deliver 35 miles of petrol and tailpipe electric driving with no emissions.

Editor in Chief of Ward’s AutoWorld, Drew Winter, said that the criteria of the most modern engines is BIB – Brave. Inspired. Brilliant. He adds that the creation of an electric vehicle has changed the course of history because it is able to attract millions of people.

Currently, Voltec propulsion system is produced only in Aspern, Austria. But it is expected that in 2011, the Voltec propulsion system will also be produced in Flint, Michigan.



Vauxhall has produced “Snow Socks”

vauxhallUsually, drivers use snow chains to get their cars out of a slippy road in icy and snowy condition. But now Vauxhall has produced “Snow Socks” to replace snow chains. Snow Socks are much easier to use than snow chains, and they are even more effective than winter tyres on snow and ice. They create friction by slipping over the driving wheels of a car.

Snow Socks are created from a special fabric that can stick to dry ice and snow, there are fibers on its covers which arranged at right angles in the direction of travel to maximize grip on the road.

Vauxhall suggests all drivers to carry snow socks during their journeys, especially in winter. Snow Socks can help to reduce accidents caused by lack of traction since they afford extra grip. Snow Socks can be used on all cars, and the price starts at £49.95 RRP.

Avatar skin for Garmin sat nav

Avatar skin for Garmin sat navIt is a good news for those who love Avatar movie because they now can alter their Garmin sat nav in their cars with Na’vi voice instructions. James Cameron, the director of the movie, has contributed in creating the mythical world of Pandora atmosphere for Garmin devices.

James Cameron has even contributed in preparing the entire written and spoken dialect for the blue natives, named the Na’Vi. Few examples of the instructions are: min skien (meaning “turn right”), min ftar (meaning “turn left”), and txing musina tsengit (meaning “exit roundabout”). Garmin believes that all Avatar lovers will be very exciting with these driving instructions.

Other notable instructions in Na’Vi are: Ftexy ‘awve tihum, min ftar ro musina tsengit mi zam ayvenu pate ro tikan. The meaning in English: “Take 1st exit, turn left at roundabout. In 100 feet arrive at destination”.

Richard Littauer, the number 1 Avatar lover in UK, has also contributed in creating the Na’Vi dictionary. He is given task by Garmin to record the vocal instructions and cues in Na’Vi so that they are available to download by the customers. The instructions by Avatar’s Na’vis can be downloaded here: www.garmin.com/uk/extras/avatar

The Problems of Car’s Air Conditioner

The Problems of Car's Air ConditionerAC or car air conditioner in our car is very important, especially when we face bad road conditions. Without good car air conditioner, our driving can be miserable. Some of us are lazy to do care for the AC so that it cannot function when we really need it. Age can also give problems to the car air conditioner. But, problems tend to occur because most of us usually do not know at all about the AC. So, we need to notice some symptoms of problems in our AC before the AC gets worse. If we find one or more the symptoms below, we need to go to the service center:

Odor

The interior must be dirty because of food brought by the passengers. The leftovers’ smell is attached to the carpet, door trim, or seats. This problem can be worse if the passengers are smoking.

Less cold

It is from the compressor. The freon compressor’s drain is hampered because the magnetic clutch has been already old or broken. For another, there is a leak in the evaporator or hose so that the freon is wasted.

Strange sounds

Old or broken compressor can make noise. The noise can also come from the blower. For some cars, the position of these components is located in the glove compartment. If a drawer is full with objects or  books, then it can make a sound when sucked lightly.

Freon often less

The freon is wasted because there is a leak in the evaporator or hose. After used for over two years, the freon becomes reduced. So, we need to always check and clean the compressor every 2000-5000 km.

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