Turbo Kit

May 24, 2013 By Billy

The Most Frequently Asked Questions on a Turbo Kit

What is a Turbo Kit?

If you are like many people, you are probably wondering what a turbo kit is and the benefits of having one. At the simplest of terms, this is a kit that allows one to increase the horsepower of their car engines. Its main function, therefore, is to boost the power of a car engine, which it does by sending compressed air into the car engine. They give a car a significant horsepower boost and in the process a pleasing sound.

Most of these kits include a stainless steel header-type manifold, that is well tuned and hand-built, and which comes with large external waste-gates. With the right fuel tuning, you can rest assured that it will produce significant horsepower for your car.

History of Turbo Kits

They date back to 1905 when they were invented by a Swiss engineer, Alfred Buchi. They were first installed in diesel ships during the 19^th century before they got introduced in cars a few years later.

The idea behind these engines is to employ fuel and air mixtures drawn in air and make use of fuel to generate more energy to power a car’s engine. In other words, it increases the fuel/air mixture ratio thus allowing an engine to process fuel and air at a much faster rate than before. .

How much horsepower does it add to the engine?

When all things remain constant, the kit increases the horsepower by between 40 and 70 percent on an average engine. However, for the best possible performance, you should ensure you have an engine that is compatible with your turbo kit.

The kit performs well when combined with a cold air intake system. Put another way, you should ensure you have a complete set of turbo kit for the best possible performance of your car.

What Are The Components Of Turbo Kits?

A turbo charger is the first and most important component…

And What is a Turbo Charger?

This is a component of the kit; a type of a supercharger whose main purpose is to compress oxygen that gets into the engine. As a result, the amount of oxygen increases significantly, thus increasing the power output.

The turbocharger is often powered by the car’s exhaust gas, which is in huge contrast to a belt-driven supercharger. Put another way, a turbocharger will take a by-product of a car’s engine that would otherwise have gone to waste, and use it to boost the horsepower.

Another component of the kit is an exhaust manifold, which is simply a system that takes out gas from the car’s engine.

There are also the blow-off valves and waste gates. The waste gates work by regulating pressure in the exhaust pipe, which leads to the turbo charger and ensures it is not abnormally high. The blow-off valves on the other hand ensures that air in circulation is not overly pressurized when getting back to the engine.

Advantages and Types of Turbo Kits

Depending on the kit you purchase, you can be able to enhance the power of your car engine by up to 70%. This is particularly useful for those living in hilly areas and people who frequently drive on highways.

The increased engine power will significantly reduce emissions meaning your car will be up to 20% more fuel efficient. Needless to mention, your car environment will become friendly for long distance driving especially because you will use less amounts of fuel

Investing in twin turbo chargers means you can significantly reduce the time it takes for the engine to heat up and turbine to function properly. Needless to mention, you will attain turbo speed much faster

Twin turbo kits on the other hand will utilize waste energy to generate more energy, meaning your car will be environment friendly. It significantly reduces carbon emissions.

Filed Under: Cars

Gas Saving Tips For Summer Road Trips

May 15, 2013 By Anna

The weather’s finally getting nicer, and chances are you may be gearing up for a long weekend away somewhere. Whether you’re taking a road trip to the beach or driving several hours north for a weekend of relaxation at the cottage, one of your least favourite road trip hassles is the expense of gas for your vehicle. It’s an inevitable cost, but there are a few things you can do to minimize your gas expenses regardless of how far you’re driving this weekend.

Stop Idling

This seems obvious, but many people still opt for the drive-through rather than leaving the car for fast-food breaks. It’s often quicker to run inside to grab your burger or coffee than wait in the line up of cars to order in the drive-through lane. And if you ever find yourself in the dreaded standstill traffic of summer highways, turn off your vehicle if you end up sitting in one spot for more than 10 seconds. In the winter, you might decide to let your car warm up for a few minutes by idling it, but in the summer, there’s really no excuse for turning on your vehicle before your start to drive.

Go For A Cruise

Cruise control is awesome for several reasons, one of which being that it reduces your gas mileage. The only scenario when cruise control doesn’t help you save on gas is when you’re climbing a steep hill, so remember to turn it off in those instances.

Turn Down The AC

Air conditioning is essential for long car rides once the weather warms up, but if you abuse your AC by blasting it at full power for the entire 3-hour drive, your gas tank will pay the price. This does not affect some newer cars as greatly, but any older models will definitely save gas by cutting back on air conditioning. Simply roll down your windows if all you need is a light breeze.

Filed Under: Cars, General, Travel

How To React To A Rear-End Collision (Part II)

May 7, 2013 By Anna

There is something about the warm weather of spring that makes people a little more careless and distracted, especially when driving. Rear-end collisions are all too common, but as a long as no one is seriously hurt, you should be able to handle the situation without experiencing too much stress or confusion. Here are a few more pointers to help you take the right course of action if you find yourself in a rear-end collision.

Do Call The Police

It may seem like a pain to get the authorities involved if the collision is minor, but it is always best to follow procedure by calling the police when dealing with a collision. Once the police are involved, information will be properly documented and it will be easier for your insurance company to file the claim.

Do Exchange Information

The most important thing you should do when you get into a rear-end collision, regardless of which car you were driving or how much damage was done, is exchange personal and insurance information with the other driver. Even if the damage looks minimal, you need to be able to get in touch with the driver to file a report through insurance. If you have a camera phone, ask if you can take a picture of their driver’s license so you ensure you have all of the necessary information and know how everything is spelt. You will need this information for your insurance company.

Do Take Note of Details

In addition to the full name, address and driver’s license information of the other driver, your insurance company will request several details about the accident. Take note of the exact location, the nearest intersection and the time of the collision. Write down anything you need to remember, as the collision will shake you up and make it difficult to recall some details later on. If possible, take pictures of the accident for your own records and to review with your insurance company if necessary.

Drive safe!

Filed Under: Cars, General, How-To

How To React To A Rear-End Collision (Part I)

May 6, 2013 By Anna

Sometimes, no matter how carefully you pay attention or how fast your reflexes are, accidents happen; and when they do, you should know how to handle the situation responsibly. A very common scenario is a rear-end collision. If you fail to stop quickly enough or someone ahead of you suddenly slams on their breaks when you’re following too closely, you might find yourself in a bit of a pinch. The only way to make the best of a collision is to know how to properly react and get through the process as quickly as possible to avoid prolonging the situation.

Do Stay Calm

You’ve just been in an accident; it’s normal to be shaken up. In fact, before you get out of your vehicle, it might be best to take a deep breath or two. Put on your emergency flashers, stay calm and check to make sure that you aren’t hurt. Exit the vehicle if it is safe to do so. You should examine the damage and speak to the other driver as calmly as possible. Be polite and understand that they may process the shock of the accident differently than you; in a worst-case scenario, one or both of the drivers may become angry, annoyed or frantic. So stay level-headed to avoid making the situation worse.

Don’t Verbally Admit Fault

In most cases, the driver of the second vehicle is at fault since they’re the ones who’ve made contact with the car in front of them. However, it is best not to throw yourself under the bus by openly admitting or apologizing for causing the accident. You can say, “I’m sorry this happened,” or show your compassion by checking to make sure everyone in both vehicles is unhurt, but don’t outright admit that you are at fault. Let the police sort that out for themselves.

Continue reading for Part II of How To React To A Rear-End Collision.

Filed Under: Cars, General, How-To

Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2013

May 3, 2013 By Billy

A Comprehensive List of the Most Fuel Efficient Cars Of 2013 by EPA

Living at a time and age when the cost of fuel is on an upward rising scale, it is only shrewd that a list of the Most Fuel Efficient Cars Of 2013 be made available for the average citizen. It is important to mention that a fuel efficient car not only benefits the user but also the environment.

Global warming is on the rise, hence is the responsibility of consumers as well as car manufacturers to ensure “green’ cars find their way into the market. This will ultimately help save Mother Nature and create a safe environment for people to live in.

How the List of the Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2013 is compiled

The List is combined by EPA to help consumers make an informed decision. This is done after an analysis of the annual fuel costs based on 55% city driving, 45% highway driving, 15,000 annual miles, and electricity cost of $0.12 per kWh and fuel price of $ 3.25 per gallon.

Note, however, that the list below does not include plug-in hybrids and electric cars, for the simple reason that real-world MPG vary significantly. Here is a comprehensive list of the lowest most efficient cars as ranked by EPA combined fuel economy.

The Lowest Fuel Efficient Cars of 2013

1. Toyota Camry Hybrid – According to EPA, the price range of this vehicle is $26,810 – $34,945. The EPA estimates are 43 MPG driving within the city, 39 MPG driving on the highway and an average of 31 MPG when combined. While this has always been a good car by all standards, the 2012 redesigning process provided consumers with the greatest car yet.

For a car the size of the Camry Hybrid, a fuel economy estimate of 41MPG combined is quite impressive. One thing that can be said about Toyota Hybrids is that they always meet and sometimes supersede their EPA estimate; hence this is a good buy.

2. Honda Insight – yet another beauty estimated to cost anywhere between $19,390 and $24,850. The EPA MPG estimates are 41 MPG driving around the city, 44 MPG driving in highway and 42 MPG on average. This is one of the most affordable hybrids in the market. Compared to the Toyota Prius c, certainly it a very practical car, especially for the trunk that always comes in handy. Not much can be said about the Insight, but it makes for a good car to have.

3. The Lexus Ct 200h – it is estimated to cost anywhere between $32,945 and $39,000. EPA Estimates are 43MPG for city driving, 40MPG highway driving and 42 MPG when combined. The 42 MPG is quite easy to achieve for combined driving hence it is a good and very economical car as well. It is also among the most affordable Lexus in the market. It is the best definition of economy and luxury in one.

4. Toyota Prius V – the price range is between $27,445 and $37,135 and the EPA estimates are 40MPG highway driving, 44 MPG driving around the city, and 42 MPG combined. While the EPA estimates are significantly lower than those of a regular Prius, certainly the numbers are still impressive.

This list of the most fuel efficient cars of 2013 should guide you on knowing the cars that are worth purchasing and which are best left in the showroom.