Eco Friendly Cars You Can Truly Enjoy By Larry M. Lynch

Are Eco Friendly Cars Truly a Possibility?

When you hear reports on the radio news or television from such cities as Mexico City, Cairo, Egypt, Moscow, Russia among others, that give announcements that, "today air pollution index levels are high, so elderly persons and children should not go out" or "asthmatics going outside today must carry portable oxygen cylinders with them" or perhaps that "athletes or others practicing outdoor sports should not do so today", you should have pause to wonder about what's happening with gasoline or diesel-powered automobile and truck emissions controls. Are eco friendly cars truly a possibility?

A Solution to the Problem Has Been Found

In 1996 a solution to the problem was found when General Motors Corporation produced the EV1 (Electric Vehicle 1) an eco friendly car, which began circulating on the streets of California. Attractive, sleek and "futuristic looking", the EV1 met with immediate succes and approval with the limited number of consumers who were allowed to rent them on a trial basis. The eco friendly car EV1 could almost silently go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in less than nine seconds - pretty snappy for a pollution-free electric car, right? That's pretty good for ANY type of car. The car could also be recharged from a special outlet installed in your garage. They didn't even have an exhaust tail pipe. So why haven't you heard of them? Likely because within ten years, GM collected all the EV1s in circulation as their leasing agreements ended. Finally, do you know what happened to these zero-pollution vehicles? The eco friendly cars were all collected and ultimately destroyed.

The Japanese Get Into the Act

In 1997, Nissan unveiled a hyper-mini electric eco friendly car in Tokyo show rooms. The car was leased by the city of Pasadena, California for municipal employees. The eco friendly car was easy to park, maintain and get around crowded city streets in. In August of 2006 however, when the lease for the cars between Nissan and the city of Pasadena expired, Nissan refused to sell the cars to the city. Again, in this case, these zero-pollution, eco friendly cars were all collected and ultimately destroyed.

In 2003 Toyota halted production of its eco friendly car, the RAV4 - EV (the EV denotes Electric Vehicle). By 2005 all the lease agreements for this vehicle were expired and these cars were returned to the manufacturer. In this case though, after a three-month international court battle against Toyota, consumers who had leased RAV4-Evs were allowed to purchase them from the company.

The Terminator Drives a Hummer

Reportedly, California governor Arnold "The Terminator" Schwarzenegger drives a specially - produced Hummer, an eco friendly car that runs on hydrogen. BMW also has a hydrogen - fueled, environmentally friendly, commercially available vehicle. So now we know that eco friendly cars truly are a real possibility for reducing pollution coming from gasoline and diesel-powered automobile and truck emissions. We can only hope that petroleum-based conglomerates do not fully succeed in halting the development and distribution of eco friendly cars to environmentally-concerned consumers.

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Diesel vs Regular Gasoline - Which is Better for the Environment? By Beth Murphy

With the implementation of alternative fuel sources on the minds of many, diesel is now under the microscope more than ever. Although diesel-powered vehicles have been around for a long time, gasoline is still the primary fuel source for most North American vehicles. Why has diesel not been used as a fuel source in more vehicles? Which is better for the environment? These are questions that are being asked more frequently as the search for alternative fuels is weighing heavily on more people's minds.

Gasoline vs. Diesel

It turns out that gasoline is more volatile than diesel, not because of what its base consists of, but because of the additives it contains. In addition, vehicles that use diesel tend to be more fuel-efficient and produce less greenhouse gases. In that respect, diesel is more environmentally friendly. Diesel actually produces 15% more in greenhouse gases than gasoline when compared by the litre rather than the gallon. Yet it is through the 20-40% improvement in fuel economy over gasoline that offsets the higher emissions per litre. In actuality, the carbon dioxide emissions are considerably less than gasoline, but diesel does contain 2,778 grams of carbon per gallon, whereas gasoline contains 2,421 grams per gallon. But, again, it is the fuel economy of diesel that accounts for the smaller rate of carbon emissions.

Then again, diesel fuel contains larger quantities of sulfur. The United States has what is considered to be the dirtiest diesel, but as of June 1, 2010 this is going to be different. U.S. diesel fuel has a lower measure of ignition quality. This means that when it is cold outside, ignition performance is poor and can result in higher emissions. This is why you see truck drivers idling their trucks all night long in cold weather rather than risk a troublesome start in the mornings.

But, the sulfur in the diesel that is emitted during cold ignitions and long engine idling is still harmful to the environment because the sulfurs prevent the control of diesel particulate emissions through diesel particulate filters. This is changing, though, since new advanced technologies such as nitrogen oxide absorbers are being developed to reduce these emissions.

As for gasoline, it is the non-aliphatic hydrocarbons as well as carcinogenic additives that avoid engine-knocking that threaten the public's health and the environment. This exposure happens in the case of gasoline leaks and then, of course, there are the carbon emissions we hear a lot about. Leaks occur when trucks begin leaking the gasoline they are carrying, storage containers are not stored properly, and from motor vehicle leakage. The harmful additives in gasoline can get into groundwater and contaminate public water supplies.

However, Dieselization is becoming a more common use of diesel as a fuel in motor vehicles, although it is determined that both diesel and gasoline have harmful effects on the environment. When we look at the carbon emissions of both, we find that diesel will emit more per gallon (or litre), but when you look at how much you have to fill the fuel tank with diesel versus how much you have to fill with gasoline, you will find that the percentage of emissions is offset for diesel, which can be friendlier on the pocketbook. On the other hand, sulfur is emitted by diesel and diesel does not perform as well in cold weather as gasoline, so until 2010 when diesel is cleaned up, gasoline may be slightly more environmentally friendly than diesel in respect to the emissions from automobiles. As for ground contamination, diesel has an edge over gasoline in keeping our world clean.

Fleet fuel cards are applicable for both gasoline and diesel engines. It's important take the environment into consideration when choosing a vehicle.

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Hino Trucks By Jim McCormack

Hino Motors, LTD, or as it is known in the trucking world, Hino, manufactures diesel trucks and buses. The Japan based company has been the country's leading provider of medium and heavy-duty diesel trucks for the past 32 years. This company is a subsidiary of the Toyota Motor Corporation. It is not surprising to see this brand in the Dakar Rally. Since 1991, Hino has provided vehicles for the event and has always finished in the top 10 for the Camion Category.

Hino has a very colorful history with its roots going back to the very founding of the Tokyo Gas Industry Company in 1910. The very first vehicle produced by the company was in 1913. In 1937 the Tokyo Gas Company and Tokyo Electric Power merged together to form the automobile division of Tokyo Automobile Industry. In 1941 the company's name was officially changed to the Diesel Motor Industry Company and eventually became known as Isuzu Motors. The very next year in 1942 Hino was born.

The trucks are modeled into two different categories. The light duty trucks include the models 145, 165 and 185. Medium duty trucks include the 238, 258, 268 and 338 models. These models have a GVW range from 23,000 to 33,000 pounds. MDT trucks also feature an 8L J08 engine which is becoming very popular. Engine compartments are very roomy and all gauges can be accessed very easily from the driver's seat. These features, not to mention the three person cab, are helping to make Hino one of the most popularly chosen truck brands in the world for light to medium duty loads.

Add to this the fact that Hino Trucks 2008 lineup features a proven DPR (diesel particulate reduction) system that meets all United States Environmental Protection Agency diesel emission regulations and it is not at all surprising that these trucks are highly appreciated throughout not only the United States, but globally as well. Using the same technology that was implemented to meet the 2005 emissions regulations in Japan, this new lineup is only adding to the billions of revenue producing miles on this system. Trucks with this emission system can be found in all Class 4 through 7 models. If you are searching for a truck from this manufacturer, new and used Hino trucks are easily found with a simple online search or by contacting a dealer in your area.

Jim McCormack is an internet marketer who specializes in commercial truck and trailer sales solutions. His main project is Trucker. His greatest interest however is helping Truck and Trailer Dealers generate more traffic to their Websites. You can follow his work and thoughts at Search Matters Come and See!

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What You Need to Know About Diesel Pulling Trucks By Jimmy Warren

It really is a jungle out there what with so many versions of automobiles rolling across the roads with an alarming alacrity. The big automobiles surely are like those wrestling stars who are intent in gulping down as much diesel as they can. When we get buying a vehicle, let us say a car, we look at the sleek design of the car, and some of the factors. When you get buying a big, diesel-guzzling monster, you would find that the specifications change by a long way. You normally look for their performance and couple of other metrics before you get to buying trucks.

Diesel pulling trucks are utilized for a variety of purposes. You could use them for taking heavy loads of goods from one place to another safely. You would also find these trucks to be used in construction industry transporting materials from one location to another. Typically, you would these machines being used as a good raw material transporter between two sites. You would find a lot of use for these trucks in companies that work in the logistics domain.

In the United States of America, you would find four companies that manufacture and market diesel pulling trucks. Ford Motors, General Motors, Dodge, and Toyota are the companies. There has been quite a bit of controversy that has been created due to the emission standard of these vehicles. Not long ago, it was found that some of these trucks flouted the acceptable norms of the emission standards. Some of these trucks were also being accused of creating a lot of noise. But with years of re-designing that has gone on these trucks, they are now efficient and rather mean machines at that.

Ford Motors and Toyota are the two companies that make trucks predominantly in the United States of America. Dodge trucks cater to the demand of these trucks in Mexico where General Motors do these trucks for the Canadian market. Because of the fact that Ford Motors and Toyota make their trucks in America, you would find that a lot of people claim these trucks to be truly American products. Apart from this, you would also find these trucks to be solid, durable, which makes them to be used in long and arduous journeys.

These new models are known to have quite a few critical points against them. One amongst them is their significant contribution to increasing the level of noise and air pollution. With that being said, newer versions of these trucks have brought down these levels considerably. Importantly, critics feel that these trucks may be good but cannot be considered for goods carrying purposes.

Decrease in storage space and increase in the height of the platform are considered to be two reasons that have influenced people's opinions in this direction. One thing is for sure though - A lot of people agree to the fact that these are mean machines.

Jim Warren writes of Japanese Mini Trucks. Topic areas include maintenance, as well as custom design and owner news alerts. Visit http://japaneseminitrucksguide.com for more information.

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Diesel Smoke Is Biggest Issue In Firehouse Safety By Ted Siska

Even a hundred years before Rudolf Diesel invented his engine in the 1890s, hydrocarbon soot was already known to be a danger in the workplace. Soot is the very first chemical substance ever identified as an occupational health hazard, being linked to diseases among chimney sweeps in London in 1775.

In America two centuries later, it's time to come to grips with the liability faced by fire departments that fail to take heroic measures to protect employee health.

Diesel smoke has been listed as a cancer-causing chemical by the state of California since 1990. It is a combination of chemicals which vary somewhat, depending on engine characteristics and fuel quality. All diesel smoke contains an array of substances, each by itself scientifically linked to cancer - arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, nickel, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Those toxic ingredients bind to the surface of microscopic particulate soot.

Numerous human studies demonstrate diesel exhaust exposure increases cancer risk. In fact, long term exposure to diesel exhaust particles poses the highest cancer risk of any toxic air contaminant evaluated by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Diesel engine fire trucks first appeared in the mid-1950s. Today, diesel power drives virtually all fire apparatus and emergency vehicles. Right from their introduction, the smoke that diesel apparatus emitted was regarded as unhealthy. At many firehouses some sort of tailpipe hose was jury-rigged to vent exhaust fumes outside through a window or under the door.

Nowadays - in addition to using the best available grade of fuel, minimizing running times, ventilating the building, exchanging fresh air, and keeping sealed doorways between garage and living quarters - there are limited ways of coping with the health risk of diesel smoke by building modifications in combination with aftermarket parts for fire apparatus.

Fans and filter cabinets remove airborne contaminants and help keep building surfaces clean, but since they do not prevent the release of particulates into the workplace atmosphere, they are janitorial equipment with no preventive health benefit.

Garage drop hoses and on-board diesel particulate filters are the two methods most often used to mitigate the hazard of diesel smoke in fire stations. Drop hoses are traditional and have some benefit, but you need to rethink whether drop hoses come even close to being adequate in light of today's environmental fervor.

Hoses require manual connection. Even brief exposure offsets air quality gains from a parked truck connected to a hanging hose.

Hoses are sometimes called capture systems, which is a misnomer. Hoses do not capture contaminants; hoses blow raw exhaust outdoors. Diesel soot is microscopic with a long airborne residency. Particles blown outside by a hose duct re-enter the building through doors which have to be open to allow the trucks in and out. This is called the canyon effect.

You'll never live to see the day a firefighter walks behind the wheels to try attaching exhaust hose to a moving truck. Hoses are not attached when a truck is entering the bay, nor do they stay attached when the truck goes out the door. Therefore, a hose system is not very effective at all.So then, beyond drop hose, what can a fire department do to ensure that its personnel are provided with the best available health protection? One study by a private advocacy group, the R.I.C.H.T.E.R. Foundation, which is dedicated to diesel exhaust safety issues, concluded, "The most efficient and cost effective way to reduce emissions is to install diesel particulate filters in all diesel trucks and equipment used in fire stations."

The California Air Resources Board is at the forefront of pollution control in the United States, and sets the standards by which local governments gauge compliance. CARB lists some diesel particulate filters as acceptable for emission reduction as aftermarket parts. No drop hose systems are listed because they are not considered pollution control devices.

On-board exhaust filters are not exactly a new idea. The first patent appeared back in 1908 when truck wheels had wooden spokes. In 1949 the U.S. Army invented the earliest version of the modern diesel exhaust filtration system.

In 1985 General Motors developed the monolithic ceramic honeycomb filter. Initial trials on high-end diesel Mercedes automobiles in the 1990s found the filters captured 99 percent of emissions. But back then, using available-grade diesel fuels, the filter captured so much soot so quickly that it had to be changed too frequently. Those experiments were abandoned, and the technology went more or less dormant.

With the coming of computerized engine ignition and ultra low-sulfur fuel, diesel particulate filters are much in vogue today.

The efficiency of the diesel particulate filter also poses its limitation. Filters clog. The rate at which they fill to capacity depends on fuel quality, the age and condition of the engine, and driving habits. Accumulation means periodic cleaning. As soot packs the filter channels, counter-pressure is created, which bogs down the engine. A close cousin of the diesel filter, in effect and principle, is the diesel exhaust brake, used on many heavy-duty trucks and buses.

A muffler is a silencer and also a spark arrestor. With a catalytic coating, it may be an oxidizer. Or used as a pre-filter.

Several manufacturers of diesel emissions systems use diesel particulate filters for over-the-road and off-road vehicles, including Englehard, Lubrizol, and Johnson Matthey. Those systems are, generally-speaking, complex and maintenance intensive. They impede horsepower through the "jake brake" effect, and all of them absolutely require burning ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.

Most of our national awareness of environmental controversies originated on the West Coast, including pollution trade credits and the use of ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel. Current litigation foretells a brewing national movement that can have a crippling impact on fire departments large and small.

An open undecided lawsuit in California filed in May 2006 pits plaintiff Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) against Laidlaw Transit Services. The environmental activist organization demands school buses carry warning labels on all their buses, an extension of the way tobacco companies are required to label cigarettes.

The ELF lawsuit lays the groundwork for a flood of future big dollar claims related to occupational diesel smoke exposure. Plaintiffs argue that under health and safety laws, people have a right to be informed about exposure to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Health risks of diesel smoke are very real. The only sensible way to cope with diesel pollution in the workplace is to implement proactive steps that demonstrate the fire department is doing all that it can to ensure a safer workplace. Fleets must be converted eventually to new less-polluting fire apparatus as it comes to market. Short term, fire departments must retrofit existing apparatus with listed aftermarket pollution-control devices exhibiting the best technology.

Ted Siska is the founder of Smoke Blotter, Inc. and inventor of the Phantom Switch Radio Control Filtration System. He has been a senior engineer for Monsanto and Lockheed Martin and facilities director for Great Atlantic & Pacific, First National and Hadco.

This article was also published in Fire Apparatus Magazine, a Fire and Emergency Service Comprehensive Directory Site. For more information, visit http://www.fireapparatusinfo.com

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Diesel Mechanic Online By Michael Bustamante

Online Diesel Mechanic Schools offer certification and degrees through a distance learning course. Diesel Mechanic students can train at home via the Internet, without giving up current employment.

Certification from an online Diesel Mechanic School will prepare you for an exciting and high-paying career repairing heavy equipment vehicles, diesel truck engines, and buses. Via distance learning, students are taught to repair diesel fuel and ignition systems as well as automotive engines. Future Diesel Mechanics also learn about hydromechanical diesel fuel injection, computerized truck and bus systems, emissions, diesel powertrains, truck steering, suspension, brake and transmission systems, electronic technology fundamentals, and advanced diagnostic systems.

Depending on the choice of schools, online training courses last between 6 months and two years. Graduates earn certificates, diplomas or degrees as Diesel Mechanics, Diesel Service Technicians, Diesel Truck Service Technicians or Auto-Diesel Mechanic.

Certified Diesel Mechanics are qualified to apply for work at an automotive repair shop. With a few additional years of hands-on experience, a Diesel Mechanic can gain the skills and confidence needed to start a business of their own!

If you enjoy working with your hands and repairing vehicles, a career in Diesel Mechanics may be just right for you. You can learn more about Diesel Mechanics, and research distance learning courses and online schools at SchoolsGalore.com

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Diesel Mechanic Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

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Diesel Pulling Trucks - What Are They? By Ian Pennington

Diesel pulling trucks are a different kind of species in the automobile jungle. They are big like wrestling stars and they gulp diesel like hungry kids. Trucks cannot be judged by the characteristics that we normally use to assess the vehicles, such as sleekness in structure and fuel efficiency. They are normally rated by their overall efficiency and functional durability. The longer the time a truck can go on without getting repair work, the better will be the rating of the truck. Since trucks are used to carry heavier items to longer distances, its ability to pull the heavy containers continuously for long periods and distances is also a rating aspect.

Diesel pulling trucks are utilized for a variety of purposes. These are basically used for taking heavy loads of goods from one place to another safely. These are used in construction industry for taking the construction equipment and materials from one worksite to another. These are also used for carrying raw materials from various sites to factories in various industries. And then, take various finished products from the factories to shops. Companies that function in logistics sector also make use of these trucks.

In the United States of America, there are mainly four companies engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of diesel pulling trucks. These companies are Ford Motors, General Motors, Dodge, and Toyota. Recently there was a legislation change regarding the emission standard of these vehicles. Earlier, it was found that the level of air pollution and noise caused by the big trucks are too high for comfort. As a result, the companies are manufacturing trucks that comply with the newly formed tighter emission standards. But all the companies have succeeded in incorporating the required changes without affecting its pulling efficiency and mileage.

Of the four companies that manufacture diesel pulling trucks, Ford Motors make the trucks in the United States. The same can be said about Toyota trucks. At the same time, Dodge trucks are made in Mexico. General Motors create these trucks from their factory in Canada. Because of these widely known facts, some truck watchers have termed trucks made by Ford Motors and Toyota as truly American products. The trucks command tremendous loyalty from satisfied customers. A truck has to be solid and be able to survive arduous journeys.

But there are several criticisms regarding the new models of diesel pulling trucks. Although the noise level and air pollution levels are considerably decreased, the critics argue that, the trucks have become less convenient for its fundamental function: that of carrying goods. Some blame it on decrease in storage space, while some blame it on increased height of the career platform. But everybody agrees that the new trucks are more fuel-efficient and have better speed.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about diesel pulling trucks, please visit Getting the Most From Diesel Trucks for current articles and discussions.

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Save your Diesel Dollars and Prolong The Life of Your Diesel Truck By Ron Petracek

With the growing costs of gasoline and diesel fuel around the world, people are going to great lengths to find means of prolonging the life of their limited fuel dollars.

One method that has been proven to be effective in stretching the fuel buck is the process of using additives that are known to make automobiles run more efficiently, which in turn, reduces the consumption of gas. At today’s prices believe me we all want better mileage from the diesel fuel we put into our vehicles.

From a consumer’s perspective better fuel mileage is more money in the bank. But the benefits of FuelBoost Diesel Additive go far beyond simply stretching the dollars that go into the fuel tank of your automobiles, or for that matter, fuel that comes from traditional pumps. Additives also works with alternative fuels that are used by those who not only wish to save money but also wish to contribute in efforts to minimize their personal impact on global warming.

As far as the possible equipment that allows for use of an additive the possibilities are wide indeed. Diesel engines are a prime candidate for an additive with the powered down formulas of todays diesel fuel blends.

When you think of all the diesel engines that are on the market these days you should realize that this means that diesel additives are an excellent choice for busses, cars, trucks, boats, tractors, and farm equipment that rely on diesel fuel.

The many reasons why using a reliable safe diesel additive are many and include things such as: eliminating the sludge and debris that may be gumming up the works causing loss of power and lower gas mileage, lowering emissions that lead to pollution and a larger personal footprint when it comes to global warming, fewer repairs over the lifetime of the vehicle that uses FuelBoost regularly as opposed to fuel with no additive.

You should also notice much lower maintenance needs such as new fuel filters and the like because the fuel is running cleaner. Little things like this save much more money over time than you may realize over the fuel savings alone.

If you are like most Americans you have done your part to make sure that you are lowering the consumption of diesel you go through in an average drive. Things such as adjusting air pressure, turning off the air conditioner, and avoiding stop and start traffic whenever possible go a long way towards saving you money.

These things save pennies, which add up fast. FuelBoost however saves nickels and dimes, which add up much more quickly in the long run.

Take your dollars back and place them in your pockets rather than those of greedy oil companies by using fuel additives such as FuelBoost Diesel Additive to get the most value for your diesel dollars.
If you travel a great deal or use your vehicles, tractors, or farm equipment daily for work you might be absolutely amazed at how cost effective this additive makes the fuel buying process when compared to purchasing diesel fuel without the helpful benefits of a premium additive.

I hope that gives you some ideas where an additive would become proactive in your maintenance program. I have also given some links below where you may find some solid track record products.

Ron Petracek - Raised in Southern Idaho, Ron's love for Trucks,Horses and the outdoors all fell hand in hand. Ron loves to ride his horses and work on his diesel trucks in California where he now resides with his wife and two children. His love has founded two online business. To view the equine classified network just click here -->http://www.horsechitchat.com

The other is for diesel and automotive related fuel enhancement additives which can be viewed by just clicking here -->http://www.fuelboost.com

Stop on by and say hello. We also leave the door open for friends.

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The Diesel Truck "Big Rig" of the Future By Devin Parker

How will Trucks look in the future look? Lets see some real examples of innovations and prototypes. The most important aspect is the energy source. The energetic crisis and the pollution are the two axles for the engineers of the future.

Westport Innovation, a company specializing in environmental technologies, recently implemented the High Pressure Direct Injection technology for diesel trucks. This technology consists of a liquefied natural gas powered truck to reduce the gas emissions and economizes the fuel. The trucks have 400 hp Cummins ISX engines with Exhaust Gas Recirculation. That results in a quiet, efficient and clean travel.

The company Daimler Chrysler in Germany is also working on the fuel use and no pollution engines. Blue Tec is the name of the new technology according to the Daimler Chrysler web site. This technology combines the engine design with the Selective Catalytic Reduction which is a system to reduce the nitrogen oxides emissions. Blue Tech is a diesel technology specially designed for the truck division of Mercedes Benz.

Some leave the fuel alternatives to others and go for the rest of the engine, especially the Department of Energy. The idea is to separate parts such as the pumps, the alternators, compressors and such from the engine. This way you can transform those parts from gas to full electric. A cooler engine compartment will extend the life of the engine. Also the independent electrical powered parts would work more precisely.

Big manufacturing companies are collaborating with the Department of Energy such as Caterpillar, Kenworth, Emerson and Engineered Machine Products. The prototype is installed on a Kenworth truck and the experts could eliminate more than 65 parts by more precise and reliable components.

Now on to driver control. In the recent Volvo Showcase, the company demonstrated its new ESP system which helps the driver do what he does best, drive. The system perceives the maneuvers of the drivers and corrects the movements of the truck by braking the wheels or brings down the power of the engine.

The ESP system includes three cameras installed on the driver's cab and in the steering wheels. The cameras are in charge of watching for the drowsiness of the driver and the inconstant maneuvers and it produces a warning to the driver.

The steering systems are also targeted by the innovators. For example, SKF proposed an electromechanical steering system instead of the conventional hydraulic system. This invention consists in a sequence of signals that tell the actuator to steer the wheels. The action is confirmed or adjusted by sensors and informed back to the driver. The advantages of the electromechanical system are to eliminate the hydraulic fluids so there would be no more high pressure leaks and less noise in the driver's cab.

These continuous changes and improvements in the truck industry still keep function as the number one focus. The replacement of the human driver by a mechanic one is still considerably far away. Fortunately, that's something for the future.

Find Truck Driving Jobs with Swift at Drive4swift.com. If you speak Spanish, find Trabajos at swiftparausted.com

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Diesel Gas Mileage Compared to Gasoline Miles Per Gallon - Which is the Winner? By Peter Lee

If you're thinking about trading in your car for a new automobile, there are lots of things to think about that we can sometimes forget to take into account one basic choice. Do you plan on gasoline or diesel? If you think a diesel truck is like an old smoky truck you laughed at years ago, then you still haven't recognized that modern diesel vehicles are almost indistinguishable from their gas driven brethren. The diesel gas mileage you get is virtually always improved, you don't see smoke any more, and better engine designs give you more engine power and a smoother ride.

The diesel engine has been given an extreme rethink, and, with proper checks and servicing each year, will provide years of fault-free functionality, while also giving more miles for your dollar. It's interesting to note that European countries are mostly more fuel wise than the USA. Most European cars are diesel driven, not gas driven. In fuel mileage comparisons, diesel almost always beats gas.

Diesel engines have not been as popular in the US because the majority of EU-make cars would not pass US emissions requirements. Of course, by not taking to diesel engines like our European cousins, we are shedding fuel savings we could have enjoyed with diesel. And that's at a time when we're hurting from fuel shortages. Perhaps it is time for a rethink.

Advances in alternative fuels led to the creation of bio diesel fuel, which effectively fixes many of our environmental and fuel supply difficulties. Instead of using crude oil to produce this fuel, the process makes use of organic material, such as sugar cane, sugar beet and corn, to create the bio fuel.

Diesel bio fuel is made by breaking down the above vegetable food crops into short chain methyl or ethyl alcohol, then mixing the liquid with traditional diesel fuel in varying blends or grades. You can even use this alcohol fuel on its own without dramatic changes to your vehicle's motor. Buses and trucks have been successfully running on bio diesel fuel for years with no reported problems.

Diesel engines return 40% more miles per gallon than gas-powered. And though diesel may cost more at the petrol station, those diesel gallons drive you considerably further. So diesel engines can really save you dollars in the long run.

While gasoline-powered cars can rarely manage 40 mpg or more, some diesel cars, such as the diminutive Smart ForFour, manage nearly 70 mpg. The ForFour has a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and has passed the stringent US smoke emissions laws. It is being marketed in the United States by Daimler Chrysler.

But believe it or not, the ForFour is not the all-time-champion for diesel fuel efficiency. The European-made Lupo - manufactured up until 2005 - could wring out a mind-boggling 78 miles per gallon.

The results are in, and diesel gas mileage gives more mpg than gasoline mileage. That's definite.

For further information on diesel gas mileage take a look at http://www.i-save-u-gas.com/diesel-gas-mileage-a-better-choice/ right now.

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