The update gives the LCDs new color palletes. Instead of the old blue scheme, the SmartGauge now has green and gold as a classier theme. The leaves which have been present since its intro is still there and still serves its purpose of giving feedback to the driver about the average consumption of fuel on the short term. If you have a thrifty driving style, the system will give you more leaves. Go metal to metal and the leaves will be gone.

The upgraded SmartGauge now provides an indicator for long-term good fuel consumption. There will be flowers, apple blossoms to be exact. If you have a good mileage, though the exact numbers were not shared by Ford, the first blooms will appear after a month or so, and more flowers will appear as you stretch the fuel you have. Earn all the flowers of the system and that will translate to a savings of around $8,000 in fuel and about 30 tons of carbon dioxide emission over the life span of the car.

Pretty cool!

This Lithium-Ion battery-powered Johnson Controls RE3 Concept will most likely never see the road as it’s a concept born to die as a concept — but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a quick entry on Green Car Tips!

Why? Well, it’s pretty, it’s high-tech, and it’s zero-emission!

Hyundai’s first hybrid model is a gasoline-electric version of their Sonata model, and is expected to reach North American shores in 2010. The hybrid model will have lithium-polymer battery technology and use a parallel-hybrid drive system. It will also have a 2.4-liter engine coupled with six-speed automatic transmission which will work with an electric motor of 30 kilowatts.

The HED-5 i-Mode, Hyundai’s crossover model, has enough room and space for six passengers. This model was put on display at Geneva, and has received a go signal for release in the United States. The engine that came with the display model can make 286 hp and get over 30 mpg when driven on the highway. This engine will also be used in the other vehicle models to be released in the US.

In addition to the hybrid and crossover model, Hyundai has also unveiled its Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, which has just recently shown to be successful in completing a 4,300-mile cross-country trek. In solidarity with the go-green campaign, Hyundai revealed that it also has plans of participating in a program that would offset the carbon dioxide emissions of the Genesis, the company’s new luxury sedan, by joining others’ efforts in preserving a Brazilian tropical forest.

The “blue” versions of the Elantra and Accent will be launched the next year, both models having recalibrated engines, low-rolling resistance tires, and other fuel-efficient technology.

Most major auto dealers, including Honda are researching and trying to come out with cars that run successfully on alternative fuels. Honda had unveiled its FCX clarity, a car that is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell at the Los Angeles auto show. Those who are familiar with this show know that the latest alternative fuel ideas are often unveiled over there. The Honda FCX clarity is fashioned on a concept vehicle that had been launched by the company in 2005.

Initially a limited number of these cars will be leased out to some privileged drivers of South California. It will be offered for a lease period of three years at $600 per month. This will make it the first fuel cell driven car that will be available to the general public.

The vehicles are going to use alternative fuel, instead of the regular imported gasoline. What they have are hydrogen-powered trucks that are expected to be more efficient and produce less emission. The US army also serves as a testing ground for this technology, which will soon become a standard in vehicle creation.

The hydrogen technology in cars will be highly commercialized in the years to come and the government is currently studying it to further set the standards. The newly shipped hybrid army vehicles are being evaluated under HAZOP. Their performance in terms of operability and hazards are tested. Their performance in weather conditions, terrain, and normal conditions are also being looked upon.

The first few shipments are using Ford Escape as the platform vehicle, integrated with Quantum’s hydrogen system. These are trucks are equipped with fuel injectors, fuel management system, pressure checker, and a hydrogen storage system, among others. Now that the army is using alternative fuel in its vehicles, it only shows that the government is serious with this endeavor.

But more than its fine engine, the exteriors and interiors of this car are a delight as well. Created with a Burl Walnut wood trim interior, this biodiesel car provides only sheer comfort to its driver and passengers. As for its exteriors, you can count on Mercedes to create a head-turning car on the highway.

Sold at the retail price of $53,775, you’re getting value for your money just because of the accolades this car had already earned. Awarded with the 2007 World Green Car Award, this environment friendly car is not only good for you but for the air you breathe as well.

The main selling point of this biodiesel car is its fuel efficiency and low noise operation, amidst its high road power. You’ll get the same thunderous speed. But you’ll also enjoy low fuel consumption and less emission in the process.

This makes the Volt as the latest addition to the potent collection of today’s biodiesel cars. Biodiesel gas, which is mockingly referred to as the frying pan fuel, is currently making raves today as the cheapest and most environment-friendly car fuel. It is even possible to make such a fuel out of your own home – all you really need is a good electric heater and the necessary compounds, of course.

However, the Volt is more of an electric car than anything else. The biodiesel fuel loaded to it is normally used as back up. General Motors say that the Volt can run on 40 miles on a full battery charge. Essentially, its battery cells can answer the daily mileage requirements of everyday car uses. Its biodiesel gas, on the other hand, can answer for the long ride requirements and for the usual mistake of forgetting to charge the car.

Make sure you take the time to get your oil changed regularly and to keep it full of the necessary fluids. It can save you money if you are able to take care of these things on your own. If not, make sure you schedule regular appointments. It is a good idea to have your oil changed every three months or every 3,000 miles. Go by which one of them takes place first.

Some people put on a great deal of miles each month while others don’t. Track this information so you don’t have to guess when your oil needs to be changed. If it takes you a year to put 3,000 miles on your car you certainly don’t want the same oil running through the engine.

It is vital to use a good quality of oil in your vehicle. This will help keep various aspects of it operating like it should. Check your oil often too just in case it gets low in between oil changes. When you buy oil look for the brands that offer energy conservation ingredients. This will reduce the amount of friction that is created and thus improve your fuel conservation.

Pay close attention to the grade of oil you use as well. Each vehicle has a standard type that is recommended so find out what it is. You may be able to still have a good operating vehicle with a different grade but it will result in your vehicle burning more fuel.

Pay attention to changes in how your vehicle sounds or operates. If you can hear noises that it wasn’t making before you need to have a mechanic check it out. This can prevent you from more serious damage that will occur if you don’t. It can also save you money of gas because you may have something wrong that is using more.

For example you may have a bad fuel injector. This means every time you start your vehicle more gas is being pushed through the valve than there should be. As a result of this you will be using excessive fuel.

Continue to Keep your Vehicle in Good Condition Part 2

In a regular vehicle the braking process results in more fuel being used. This is because they car has to get back to a certain speed and it takes fuel to do so. Hybrids rely on a process known as regenerative braking. Instead of using more fuel you will actually create more energy each time you step on the brakes.

All hybrids also have an automatic shut off sensor. This means when you roll up to a stop sign the engine will completely stop. As soon as you step on the gas pedal though it will restart. As a result the excess idling that adds up and wastes fuel is completely eliminated.

A smaller motor is used in hybrid vehicles so it takes less fuel to give them the necessary power. However, you don’t have to worry about not having enough power to go the proper speed limit or anything like that.

You will notice due to the high fuel costs many vehicle manufacturers are offering more compact and medium sized vehicles. They know that consumers aren’t looking at full sized cars, full vans, and even SUV’s as much anymore. When it costs you more than $100 to put fuel in it that isn’t setting well with anyone out there.

You can get some great deals on both new and used vehicles that are compact or medium sized. You do want to read the reviews and ratings on them though so you can get one that is safe and well as great on fuel. If it is used you should have it inspected by a licensed mechanic before you commit to buying it.

Make sure you get one that is going to be big enough for your family though. There should be enough seatbelts for each person to use. You also don’t want to deal with problems about not enough leg room or being too crowded in the back seat.

You can easily go online though and see what is highly recommended. Then you can evaluate the specifics of these models of vehicles when you are looking at buying one of them. Depending on how much you drive, you can save thousands of dollars each year just by changing the type of vehicle you are driving. With savings like that it is certainly worth looking into that option.

You will need to crunch your family budget to decide if a different vehicle is the right option or not. Yet when you evaluate a car payment of $300 and you are saving more than that in fuel costs each month it should be something you move forward with.

Once you take the time to see how all the numbers add up you will be in a better position to make a final decision. I can be helpful to keep track of all the fuel you put into a vehicle over the course of a month. You may be spending more for it than you realize if you get small amounts each time.

If you are interested there are also hybrid models to select from. They operate either from solar power or electricity. They contain a series of batteries that store up this energy. When that energy source has been depleted the vehicle will automatically revert to the use of the fuel in it.

These days you will notice that there are quite a few nice hybrid models to choose from. Just about every major car manufacturer is offering them. You can get certain models in either format. The one downside is that you may have to order a hybrid in a certain model if there aren’t enough of them readily available. As the demand for such vehicles continues to increase that is to be expected.
This can be a great way to cut down on the amount of fuel you use each day in your vehicle. Of course hybrid vehicles are more expensive but they also save you a great deal of money in the long run. There are government rebates on them too that you want to check out. These can really help to offset the overall cost of the vehicle to you.