Ever imagined driving a car with plastic wheels? If it hasn’t even crossed your mind, well it now will – because sooner than we think, today’s light-weight alloy wheels may one day be replaced by even lighter plastic wheels or advanced composite versions (read: plastic wheels).
A new testing system has been developed that will allow manufacturers to simulate tests for the wheels in the hope that they’ll one day feature on production cars. The benefits of plastic wheels are their lower costs and lighter mass.
Some time ago, plastic specialists have already been able to develop wheels using glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) components. Unfortunately, they have never been able to test them to meet industry safety regulations. But that may soon change with a new simulation developed by Europe’s Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research facility.
According to a department manager at Fraunhofer, Andreas Büter, who spoke recently with reporters from Automobilwoche, the simulations use tomography imaging to determine the length, curvature and density of the glass fibers used in the wheel. Those parameters, he says, are crucial for the firmness and maximum stress of the material.
This will allow them to forecast how the wheel may react to impacts to a curb or from a crash, as well as long-term reliability. So far, some prototype examples have been tested successfully beyond 250,000km.
This development should be good news, as GRP wheels says Autoblog, should be both lighter and less expensive than their metal counterparts, reducing the unsprung weight of your car and wallet at the same time. People will definitely be watching out for development of this news.
In the meantime, make sure that you maintain your current tires, along with your car’s auto parts like your Honda camshaft.
Tires, despite their being among the most important and easily cared for parts of a vehicle are often the most neglected. Here are a few simple tips to help you take care of your tires:
Measure your tire pressure monthly using a good quality tire gauge. A visual inspection is not sufficient to detect under or over-inflation problems.
Have your tires aligned annually.
Tires should be balanced approximately every 20 000 km, or when drivers feel a vibration.
Rotate your tires regularly.
Monitor tread wear and replace tires when your tire tread is worn out.
Conduct a visual check for embedded stones, glass and other foreign objects that could work their way into the tire and cause a leak.
By adopting these few simple tire maintenance practices, you can increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency, reduce harmful emissions, save money and make your vehicle safer.
NADAguides.com Lists Top Vehicles of Summer 2007
The ever-surging cost of gasoline has driven consumers to more affordable and fuel-efficient cars. And with summer's busy driving season fast approaching, there’s no doubt that this will be more significant. That is why the editors at NADAguides.com -- a leading vehicle pricing and information website – recently announced their Top Vehicles of Summer 2007.
According to NADAguides.com, the vehicles they chose for this list make the grade when it comes to fuel efficiency, affordable purchase price and overall 'summer-driving-and-travel' appeal -- whether you're traveling, towing, hauling or just plain enjoying the ride.
If you’re out for a new car this summer it may be good to check out the list:
(Source: NADAguides.com}
Top New Hybrid -- 2007 Toyota Prius (60/51) MSRP: $22,175
The 2007 Toyota Prius is a four-door five-passenger gas/electric hybrid car powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 110 horsepower gasoline engine coupled with a battery-powered electric motor. According to EPA estimates, the Prius achieves 60 MPG City and 51 MPG Highway.
"In addition to excellent fuel economy, the Prius offers larger passenger and cargo space than most of its competitors," said Don Christy Jr., president and CEO, NADAguides.com. "We also appreciated the Prius' long list of safety features and its MSRP of $22,175, a deal compared to equally-equipped four-door sedans."
Top New Convertible -- 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (25/30) MSRP: $20,585
"Not only does the Mazda MX-5 offer stylish, fun-in-the-sun driving, we liked its affordable price tag and its great fuel economy," said Christy. "We were especially fond of its fast-revving engine and its incredible handling."
The MX-5 comes available with a retractable hardtop and features 166 horsepower with the automatic transmission, 170 with the manual. Other features include side airbags and ABS brakes.
Top New Truck -- 2007 Ford Ranger (24/29) MSRP: $13,970
With EPA estimates of 24 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway, and with an MSRP of $13,970 for the base 2WD model, the 2007 Ford Ranger easily made the NADAguides.com Top Summer Vehicles of 2007 list.
"It's extremely hard to find a brand new vehicle that offers the utility of a pick-up truck with the efficiency and affordability of a compact car," said Christy. "Not only is the Ranger an excellent value to buy and own, we liked its styling too."
Top New SUV -- 2007 Jeep Compass (24/27) MSRP: $20,175
Considered a 'car-type' SUV, the 2007 Jeep Compass made the grade for its excellent fuel economy rating (24 City/27 Highway), considered one of the best in the SUV category today, as well as its affordable price tag at $20,175 for the base model. "Any way you slice it, the Jeep Compass is one heck of a ride," said Christy.
"From its affordability to its styling to its long list of standard equipment and safety features, we were impressed." The Compass features a 172 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, ABS brakes and traction/antiskid control.
Top Minivan -- 2007 Honda Odyssey (17/24) MSRP: $25,645
"Not only does the Odyssey feature one of the best EPA ratings in the minivan category, it was our Editors' favorite minivan in terms of styling and ride," said Christy.
The 2007 Honda Odyssey features (along with top of the line parts including Honda brake rotor), a 244 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and plenty of comfort and convenience features, including cruise control, keyless entry and a variety of power controls, as well as front, side-body and side-head airbags, ABS brakes and traction control.
For more information regarding these and other vehicles on the market today, log onto http://www.nadaguides.com/. The website also offers a 2007 new car buying guide, car prices, car buying reviews, car quotes, used car prices and classic car prices, including a wealth of additional pricing and specification information for motorcycles, boats, RVs, classic cars, vans and van conversions.
About NADAguides.com
N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world's largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. The company's consumer website, NADAguides.com, offers a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information. Throughout its 74-year history, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority for vehicle valuations. Its website, NADAguides.com, is the most comprehensive vehicle information resource on the Internet today.
NADAguides.com Names Economical Summer Cars
Because of the increasing cost of gasoline as well as the fast approaching of summer's busy driving season, consumers are becoming to be more economical when buying car. In connection to this, the NADAguides.com, a leading vehicle pricing and information website, announced on June 21 their Top Vehicles for Summer 2007.
According to the website, their choices make the grade when it comes to fuel efficiency, affordable purchase price and overall 'summer-driving-and-travel' appeal when traveling, towing, hauling or just merely enjoying the ride.
Their complete list includes the following:
Top New Hybrid -- 2007 Toyota Prius (60/51) MSRP: $22,175
A four-door five-passenger gas/electric hybrid car, the 2007 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 110 horsepower gasoline engine mated with a battery-powered electric motor. It achieves the EPA estimates of 60 MPG City and 51 MPG Highway. Don Christy Jr., the president and CEO, NADAguides.com, said that aside from its quality fuel economy, the Prius offers larger passenger and cargo space than most of its rivals. He added that their site also appreciated the car’s streak list of safety features plus the $22,175 MSRP (a deal compared to equally-equipped four-door sedans).
Top New Convertible -- 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (25/30) MSRP: $20,585
Christy commented that this car offers stylish fun-in-the-sun driving, affordable low-priced tag and amazing fuel economy. They were particularly fond of MX-5 Miata’s engine with fast revolution and its fascinating handling. Featuring 166 horsepower with the automatic transmission (170 with the manual), side airbags and ABS brakes, this car is available with a retractable hardtop.
Top New Truck -- 2007 Ford Ranger (24/29) MSRP: $13,970 (base 2WD model)
Christy said that it is indeed difficult to find a brand new vehicle that offers the uses of a pick-up truck with the efficiency as well as the affordability of a compact car. This is the reason why this car with 24 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway EPA estimates easily made it to their list. He added that the Ranger offers a great value to buy and own and excellent styling.
Top New SUV -- 2007 Jeep Compass (24/27) MSRP: $20,175 (base model)
With EPA estimates of 24 City/27 Highway, the 2007 Jeep Compass, according to Christy, gives a heck ride. The President/CEO said that they were stunned by the car’s affordability, styling, and long list of standard equipment and safety gadgets. The Compass offers 172 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, ABS brakes and traction/antiskid control.
Top Minivan -- 2007 Honda Odyssey (17/24) MSRP: $25,645
According to Christy, the Odyssey features one of the best EPA ratings in the minivan category so it was their editors’ favorite minivan with regard styling and ride. It features a 244 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Honda, co-maker of Acura high performance parts, built the 2007 Odyssey with a long list of comfort and convenience features that includes cruise control, keyless entry and a variety of power controls, front, side-body and side-head airbags, ABS brakes, and traction control.
N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world's largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information regarding new and used cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. Throughout its 74-years in the industry, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the honored authority for vehicle valuations.
