The Social Cost of Automotive Fuels (LPG, Diesel, Petrol)

We aim to give some insight into the financial and economical cost to society as a direct result of exhaust emissions from Petrol, Diesel and LPG engines. The financial costs are calculated based on city population sizes in the UK, and grams of pollutants emitted per 1000km travelled by each automotive vehicle fuel type. These figures relate directly to the economical costs in terms of health care expenditure. The results show the benefits that alternative fuels can offer to society as a whole, helping to reduce health problems such as Congestive heart failure, Respiratory problems and Bronchitis, which all relate to poor air quality. The report is based on findings from various sources including The Norfolk County Council alternative fuel trials, and the BeTa database report on social costs published by Netcen (AEA). Automotive fuels are constantly taking blame and criticism from the Government as the main cause of poor air quality conditions in the UK. The levels of harmful gases in the environment are costing society financially, economically and physically. Most people are aware of the damaging effects that exhaust emissions have on air quality conditions, but what do these emissions cost to society in monetary terms? Our analysis showed that the social cost of driving a vehicle varies significantly with the fuel type used. In a small town, Diesel results in social costs of £3.84 per 1,000km, petrol £1.04 and LPG £0.55p. In a large city, Diesel costs £32.70 per 1,000km, petrol £6.08 and LPG £2.33. The cost of running alternative vehicles such as LPG cars is dramatically less than standard petrol and diesel vehicles and does not require higher maintenance levels. Further benefits include reduced engine noise, smoother vehicle running, exempt from congestion charges and low duty taxes. Having more vehicles running on LPG engine in the UK would assist in reducing emission costs to society while improving air quality. Individuals and organisations that adopt the environmentally-friendly alternative automotive fuels and technologies are not only generating cost savings for themselves but also for the larger society.

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Top 2 Ways To Learn About Car Auctions

If this doesn't get you excited, than nothing will! Car auctions are a fantastic way to save money on a car. There are a lot of ways to save money on a car that don't include insurance fraud or outright theft. Buying a new car can certainly seem like a smart decision if you can save some dollars, however car auctions are where the pros get their cars. They can generally be found in all states and happen at least once a month. The trick to buying a car is to buy it at wholesale (like a used car dealer would). Just like all auctions, there are deals to be found through just a little extra leg work. Here are 2 tips to help you in you car auction quest. 1) Use the internet to your advantage. Online resources can be a great help to people who are looking to attend their first car auction. Google the term “car auction KY” or “car auction MI” to look for local car auctions in your state. Also, if you live in a small state (like a state in the northeast), make sure and look for car auction locations in nearby states. For example, if you live in Eastern Pennsylvania, you might want to try looking for “car auctions NJ” or “car auctions NY.” Often times, depending on where you live, a car auction might be happening in a nearby location that's just over the state line. 2) Look through the local classifieds section of your newspapers. Here's something that not a lot of people know. Classifieds sections of newspapers can be a tremendous resource due to the fact that a lot of bankruptcy auctions need to be listed in paper by law. This can be to your advantage because these auctions aren't the normal auctions that take place and therefore might not attract a lot of attention from potential bidders. There are a whole bunch of other tips that make these seem almost introductory. Learn them all and you could be on your way to a nice car for a low price.

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Scams Plague Fuel Customers

The rising price of gasoline has produced a surge of products that promise to provide relief at the gas pump. Unfortunately, most of them are rip-offs! Some are even dangerous, to your health or to your car. In May of 2006, Texas based BioPerformance, Inc., was shut down by the Attorney General for being an illegal pyramid scheme. The company's product, a pill for the gas tank that was supposed to increase gas mileage, was found to be chemically equivalent to mothballs, which are toxic. Even though both company and product were complete frauds, each still drew a large crowd. To promote BioPerformance and suck people into the illegal pyramid scheme (which was disguised as multi-level marketing), the company sponsored big, pep-rally like seminars around the country. At the seminars, people who paid lots of money to have the privilege to sell the little gas pill were encouraged to believe in the product and its ability to make money, despite the fact the BioPerformance bottle had a disclaimer in tiny print: "BioPerformance, Inc., doesn't guarantee anyone any results" To further encouraged people, the president of BioPerformance, a pastor named Llowel Mims, adopted the benevolent position of announcing his goal to make at least 1,000 participants in the BioPerformance company millionaires. Playing on patriotism, the company promoted the pill as "All American" because it is a way to lessen dependence on the Middle Eastern oil countries and help the environment. When it comes down to laboratory tests though, BioPerformance's pill doesn't measure up to the claims. In fact, it has actually been proven to hurt car engines. That's a far cry from the "All American" product celebrated at the seminars. The bottom line in this is that if it's too good to be true and hasn't been backed up by numerous independent studies, than it's probably a scam.

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Respect Large Trucks, Stay Safe on the Road

Passenger vehicle operators - not truck drivers - cause approximately 70 percent of all fatal crashes involving a car and commercial truck, according to federal government statistics. Most accidents are the result of an unsafe driving act, such as following a truck too closely or lingering in its blind spot. The following precautions will help you safely share the road with large trucks: * Beware of blind spots. Approximately 35 percent of truck-related auto fatalities occur in a truck's blind spots. Tractor trailers have very large blind spots -; as much as 30 feet behind the truck. Always try to pass on the left side; the blind spot on the right side is much larger (running the length of the truck and extending out nearly three lanes). * Stay back. When following a truck, try to maintain a distance of 20 to 25 car lengths. Driving too closely behind a truck gives you little or no time to react to changing conditions. * When passing a truck, do not loiter in the blind spot. Before moving back into the truck's lane, be sure you can see its headlights in your rearview mirror. Most fully-loaded semi trucks driving at highway speeds need 100 yards - that's one football field - to come to a safe stop. Leave them plenty of space. * Pay attention. Driver inattentiveness is the most common unsafe driving act that results in a truck-related auto fatality. * Heed the weather. Poor conditions make it more difficult to drive safely around big trucks. Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC reminds you that statistics show nearly 1 million vehicle accidents a year occur in wet weather. When it's raining, slow down, turn on your lights, drive smoothly and maintain a safe distance. If you start to hydroplane, take your foot off the accelerator (if manual transmission, engage the clutch) and don't slam on your brakes. * Properly maintain your tires. A tire cannot provide good traction on wet roads once the tread is worn below 2/32 of an inch tread depth. Check your tires regularly and replace them at the proper time. Don't forget to maintain the proper air pressure in your tires; tire pressure should be checked monthly.

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Want to know more about upcoming vehicles? Read Auto Parts Train’s the Auto Blog

Every year, dozens of new and upcoming car models are introduced to the public. Most of these cars debut in the internationally recognized auto shows held in world cities such as New York, Chicago, Paris, Detroit, Geneva, Tokyo and Frankfurt. The world’s automakers usually pull out all the stops when introducing their new models. In the US, GMC, Ford and DaimlerChrysler release new models as well as updated versions of its current models. This is usually one of the most exciting and hectic times within the yea especially for automotive industry insiders, automotive journalists and ordinary car lovers like all of us. Auto shows are some of the most awaited events in the automotive industry. The North American International Auto Show held in Detroit usually starts of the year and is considered one of, if not the biggest auto show in the industry, Here, all major automakers try to outdo each other in terms of new models, concept cars, new technologies and exhibits. The other major auto shows in various cities all over the world then follows suit. During these auto shows, the public gets a good glimpse of the many new vehicle models. Innovative concept vehicles not only fire the imagination of car lovers, they are also used by automakers as an introduction of a future design or engineering direction. Of course, not all of us have the privilege of attending all these various auto shows and debuts. That’s why The Auto Blog, sponsored by Auto Parts Train, is offering people a front row seat to these auto shows. The blog regularly reports the most notable and most newsworthy events as well as the newest vehicles introduced. The Auto Blog was conceptualized by PartsTrain.com, the foremost aftermarket, collision and replacement auto parts and accessories retailer in the internet today, as a valuable resource offering various significant information about the automotive industry not only to Parts Train’s loyal customers but to the general public as well.

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Why Fuel Prices Go Up?

Numerous forces can influence the price of gas at the pump, but fuel costs are only one part in the vast web of global economics. Gas prices have an impact on other parts of the economy as well. There are immediate effects of rising prices - that feeling of stunned disbelief as the numbers climb and climb while you fill your tank. There are secondary effects as well. You might decide against a long road trip because the gas would cost too much. When it comes time to buy a car, you might decide against a gas-guzzling SUV and find something with better mileage instead. Price increases generally occur when the world crude-oil market tightens and lowers inventories. Also, growing demand can sometimes outpace refinery capacity. Gas prices also vary from state to state for several reasons. Taxes are probably the biggest factor in the different prices around the country. Additionally, competition among local gas stations can drive prices down. Distance from the oil refineries can also affect prices -- stations closer to the Gulf of Mexico, where many oil refineries are located, have lower gas prices due to lower transportation costs. There are also some regional factors that can affect prices. World events, wars and weather can also raise prices. Anything that affects any part of the process, from the moment the oil is drilled, through refining and distribution to your car will result in a change in price. Military conflicts in parts of the world with lots of oil supplies can make it difficult for oil companies to drill and ship crude oil. Hurricanes have damaged offshore drilling platforms, coastal refineries and shipping ports that receive oil tankers. If a tanker itself is lost or damaged, or leaks its oil into the ocean, that will put a dent in the market as well. In some regions of the country, gasoline is required to meet higher environmental standards in order to reduce the amount of smog created by burning gasoline. Producing this cleaner-burning gasoline can cause problems in refining, distribution and storage, which increases the cost of gas.

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Tips for Saving at the Pump As You Take to the Roads

Labor Day marks the end of two favorite summer pastimes: vacation road trips and summer blockbuster movie releases. Several of this summer's movies take you behind the wheel for exciting car chases with unbelievable maneuvers and speed-defying moments. While the actors in these movies may not be thinking about fuel efficiency, with today's high gas prices, you certainly are. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers the following maintenance tips to help you save on fuel as you take to the roads this Labor Day weekend. * Check up. Look over your owner's manual to keep current on your scheduled maintenance. Inspect your vehicles' fluids to make sure they are all at the recommended levels. If unsure, have your vehicles inspected by a certified technician to ensure they are running as efficiently as possible. * Air up. Properly inflate all four tires and the spare to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended levels. Check the sticker on the inside door jamb or the owner's manual. Under normal operation, tires can lose approximately 1 pound per square inch (PSI) of pressure every month. For every 10-degree change in ambient temperature, tire pressure can change by approximately one PSI. Check tire pressure once a month and always when the car is cool - meaning the car has been driven less than one mile or has not moved in at least three hours. * Line up. Have your vehicles' alignment checked and the tires balanced and rotated according to the vehicle owner's manual. Anything you can do to help your tires roll smoothly will result in improved fuel mileage. * Lighten up. If you have a trunk full of junk, empty it out and lighten the load for better fuel economy. If you drive a pickup truck and the bed is empty, leaving the tailgate down reduces drag and improves gas mileage. This Labor Day, don't be reckless with your money at the pump. Be sensible with your vehicle and driving habits and leave the recklessness to the movies.

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