BMW already uses a start-stop engine for their non-hybrid European 1 and 3 Series, but Mazda is in the process of developing a version that is more efficient.  Mazda’s system that has been independently developed is called Smart Idle Stop System.  According to the company, this system will improve fuel-efficiency by around 10%.

The unique thing about Mazda’s system is how it restarts the powertrain.  Engine restart is initiated by employing the direct-injection system to spurt gas and ignite it under the specific conditions needed to make a downward force on the pistons that is perfect, seamlessly restarting the engine.  According to Mazda, drivers won’t feel any delay because it will only take 0.35 seconds to resume driving.

Mazda’s system appears to be a lot simpler than most other start-stop systems, which are commonly attached to hybrid systems.  Also, it will cost and weigh less than GMs mild hybrid system.  If Mazda combines this system with their new turbo, which is fuel-efficient, it could boost fuel-efficiency by about 40% in a few years, without any expensive hybrid technology.

Just remember, with any new car technology you should protect yourself by purchasing an auto warranty.  After all, you want peace of mind that you won’t have to pay unnecessary repair costs.

The thermostat in your car serves the purpose of regulating the temperature so it stays at a desired level.  To achieve this, it controls the cooling and heating mechanisms that control the heat flow throughout the system.  The thermostat manages the amount of coolant in the internal combustion engine.  A thermostat is necessary in all liquid cooled engines.

If your thermostat isn’t working correctly it may be due to several reasons.  First, the thermostat may be affected if the water pump is failing.  The thermostat may also be affected with an overheated engine or if coolant is leaking.

Make sure you have a mechanic look at your thermostat on a regular basis.  It plays a key position in keeping your engine cool, so it needs to be replaced every few years.

Also, if you don’t replace your thermostat when it’s time, you may find yourself with additional problems, such as emission problems, knocking with acceleration, and poor fuel-economy.  This is why it is important to have a good auto warranty.  You don’t want to find yourself paying unnecessary repair costs.

Terms like geometric morphometrics and pareidolia aren’t generally important to people designing or buying cars, however they were significant in a recent study that found that people see faces when looking at vehicles, and typically they prefer ones that look powerful.

Pareidolia is an occurrence in which people actually see faces in various things from clouds to inkblots to cars.  A recent study was based on this concept and used geometric morphometrics to let participants rank vehicles on how they looked, using traits that are human like disgusted, sad or extroverted.

The results of the study confirmed that pretty much all people like cars that are powerful looking, like the BMW 5 Series.  Also, people tend to shy away from designs that are feeble-looking, like the Toyota Prius because they worry that they won’t be as sturdy and will require a good auto warranty.

Who knows if this research will determine the future designs of cars, but it might mean that we will see more big-mouthed grilles on the roads.

Many drivers don’t know if they should be using regular or synthetic oil in their vehicles.  To determine the answer you need to consider the age of your car, it’s mileage, and what is recommended by the carmaker.

Cars that have high mileage and are older usually have engine wear that is excessive, which allows for internal oil leakage.  Because synthetic oil is thinner than regular oil it will flow more freely, and therefore it isn’t recommended for these vehicles.  By using it your car may experience internal combustion.

Many automakers today recommend synthetic oil for their engines.  This is especially true when the car has a high performance engine with high compression, high operating temperatures, and tight engine tolerances.  However, if your vehicle still has an auto warranty, you should consult your dealer before switching to synthetic oil.

Synthetic oil is a great idea in the right vehicle, but consult your owner’s manual first.  Although synthetic oil will cost you double what regular oil will, it will make your engine last longer, and it lasts longer.

You would never think that a car being too quiet would be a concern, yet that is the case with hybrids.  Vehicles like the Toyota Prius are environmentally friendly, but not pedestrian friendly.  At a low speed, these cars are only as loud as a golf cart.

There is a silent zone in hybrids that is deadly.  Pedestrians literally cannot hear the vehicles, which affects everyone, including the blind, pets, joggers, children, bikers, and anyone who isn’t paying attention.

This issue has become a major concern because hybrids are becoming more and more popular.  According to J.D. Power and Associates, there were around 350,000 of these vehicles sold last year in the U.S.

Hybrids have great fuel-efficiency because they are powered by electricity and fuel.  California has been the state where these vehicles have gained the most popularity.  In fact, this is where half of America’s hybrids are sold.

Drivers are becoming more and more excited about hybrids because of their fuel-efficiency.  Motorists don’t want to pay for high fuel prices on top of other expenses, such as maintenance costs, an auto warranty, and car loans.  Right now, hybrids are dangerously quiet, but that could change in the future.  There is legislation being pushed to require noise-making devices be installed in hybrids.

With everyone worried about the economy, there are numerous tips circulating about how to save money on fuel.  A lot of this advice, however, isn’t worth the time of the average driver.  So, which strategies are worth the time and which aren’t?

There are several things that you can do to significantly improve your fuel economy.  It makes sense to drive slow and steady to improve gas mileage.  If you travel at the speed limit and avoid accelerating rapidly you won’t burn as much gas.  Also, you don’t want to let your car idle.  Every second in which your engine is running while your car is stationary you are wasting gas.  Also, keeping your tires inflated properly will allow you approximately a 10% improvement in fuel-efficiency.

There are also some tips that aren’t worth your time.  First of all, don’t bother filling up when temperatures are cool.  Although this theory is true, it won’t save you enough to be concerned with it.  Next, lightening your load isn’t going to help you with fuel-efficiency very much unless you’re carrying 100 pounds of cargo in your car.  Most people don’t carry enough stuff in their car to amount to much.

Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with saving money on their cars.  To do this they are buying fuel-efficient cars with an auto warranty, and following tips to save on fuel.  Motorists are feeling the pinch due to the poor economy.

Regardless of the year or make, one of the biggest investments people will make is a vehicle.  Buying a used car is a great way for consumers to save some money.  However, risks can be higher, which is why an auto warranty should be purchased for the car.  Fortunately, there are ways that buyers can recognize the difference between dependable used cars and lemons.

The safest thing to do is to have the car that you are looking to buy checked out by a licensed mechanic.  However, there are some things that you can do on your own.

For instance, bring a soft magnet from your refrigerator to determine if there is damage underneath a new coat of paint.  You can run the magnet all along the fenders and doors, which are steel.  If it seems that the magnet won’t stick, there is probably a type of body filler under the paint.

Also, examine the inside of the vehicle for stains from water.  If the car was damaged in a flood, it could mean trouble in years to come.  You also want to look at the wear on the pedals of the vehicle.  It should be consistent with what the mileage claims to be.  If there is low mileage, there should be little wear on the pedals.

Don’t forget to examine the tires of the vehicle, too.  If you see wear on the outside edges of the tires, the car is probably out of alignment or might have components that are worn-out.

Knowing what to look for in a used vehicle will bring you peace of mind about your purchase.  Also, know that used car warranties will allow you to save on costly repairs that are unforeseen.

Chances are at one time or another you have been told that you need new shocks and (or) struts.  After being quoted a large price, you might find yourself thinking, “Can I get away without replacing them and are they covered under used car warranties?

Your shocks and struts serve two functions in your car.  Some cars only have struts, and some only have shocks.  Their purpose is to dampen the oscillation of springs and assist in ride control.

If your shocks and/or struts are worn, your suspension parts and tires will wear out sooner.  This is why it is important to take your vehicle in for preventative checkups.  It is a good idea to have your mechanic look at your shocks and struts every time you get an oil change.

There are several warning signs that might tell you it is time to replace your shocks/struts.  First, you might notice leaks on the housing or dents on the strut body.  Also, you might see high and low worn spots on your tires and pitted piston rods.  Finally, you may have rubber bumpers that are crushed from bottoming out.

It is important not to cut corners when dealing with your shocks/struts.  It is essential that these parts function correctly for handling and cornering.  Purchasing an auto warranty is a good idea for motorists in order to avoid unnecessary repair costs down the road.  After all, you never know when your car will need maintenance.

Modern vehicles feature innovative technology that has drivers in awe.  This technology is beneficial to us all, as long as we know how to use it.  Yet, how many motorists actually learn the functions of these switches and controls?

When a driver gets behind the wheel, he should feel as if he is one with his car.  People think of driving as a simple task to perform.  It may seem elementary to steer, and use the throttle and pedals.  However, driving is much more involved than that.  In order to be a defensive driver, people need to understand all of the operations of their technology before ever pulling out of the driveway.

Searching for dials and buttons while driving is dangerous because then the driver can’t focus on the road.  It is best to perform a list of operations before driving.  For example, a safe driver will turn knobs and flick switches in a familiar sequence.  It is also necessary to check gauges, such as oil pressure after starting the engine.

Enjoy the advanced technology that your vehicle has to offer, but discover the functions before hitting the road.  This will save you from getting into an accident.  Of course, with any new technology you should cover yourself with an auto warranty.  This will save you from unnecessary expenses down the road.

If you’re purchasing a pre-owned car you need to find out as much history as possible about it.  The car may have problems that are not apparent from a visual inspection or a test drive.

A car history report is a good way to find out what you’re getting.  This is a report prepared by a third party that is a compilation of information from DMVs, RMVs, and other sources.  A car history report will give you an overview of what the car has been through.

When getting a car history report look out for the following things.  This is not to say that you shouldn’t buy the car based on these issues, but certainly ask questions.

If a car has had a lot of owners, chances are it hasn’t been cared for lovingly.  These cars have probably endured more abuse.

Some areas of our country are easier on cars than others.  For example, extreme winter conditions are tough on vehicles, as are flood areas and extreme heat.

Make sure the name and description of the car match up with the actual car.  Read the description carefully to avoid vehicle fraud.

Car history reports, such as those from CARFAX are comprehensive and can save you from purchasing a lemon.  Also, to protect yourself, purchase an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary expenses down the road.