The Future In Braking

Could Mazda's future in braking technology save you money at the gas pump? The answer is yes!

Exciting news has been released for future Mazda models with the introduction of i-ELOOP. This is an energy recycling program triggered from braking that can save drivers approx. 10% on fuel economy!

We'll let Automobile Mag give the details:


Unlike other regenerative braking systems, like those used in hybrid cars that use a dedicated electric motor and battery, Mazda’s new system uses a capacitor that can be charged and discharged rapidly and can last many more cycles without deterioration compared to a battery.


Mazda’s system works toward the same goal as a hybrid’s — converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity as it decelerates; the stored energy is used to power the climate control, audio system and other vehicle electrical components. The Japanese automaker says the i-ELOOP system works with the company’s i-Stop start-stop system to extend the time the engine can be shut off.


Because i-ELOOP doesn’t use a dedicated electric motor, it adds a new 12 to 25 volt variable voltage alternator, a low resistance electric double layer capacitor, and a DC/DC converter. When the vehicle begins to decelerate, the alternator generates as much as 25 volts to quickly charge the Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) for electrical energy storage. The DC/DC converter steps voltage down from 25 to 12 before the released energy is sent to the vehicle’s electrical system. i-ELOOP can also charge the vehicle’s battery if needed.



Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/mazda-releases-i-eloop-regenerative-braking-system-details-90735.html#ixzz21kp8L9Lk

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Tips For A Long Trip

Long road trips in your car can be cumbersome... They take not only a toll on your car (As it's doing most of the work) but also you as a driver... So here are a few tips and facts to stay safe!

1) Take a break every two hours!

Did you know this? The mind tends to wander, "Highway fever" can start to take over, you easily lose attention span, and that's how accidents can occur. To reduce this risk it's recommended you take an out of car break to stretch your legs and get fresh air once every two hours. It sounds like a waste of time, but it saves time compared to what you'd spend if an accident were to occur!

2) Sleep during the day

If you're taking a multiple day/night trip make sure when you're resting and sleeping that it's during the day! Studies show that while less places are open at night and that is a disadvantage, that the roads are also much less occupied. Driving at night can mean less waits in traffic jams and less risk of a car to car collision.

3) You may not need a break... but your car does.

Even if you're car is brand new, fluids are topped, and tires are new... extended driving without stopping can have a MAJOR impact on the future condition of your car. Constant stopping heats rotors, constant driving has tire wear, and prolonged engine heat can lead to stretched belts... so even if you don't need to stop, stop every few hours for your cars sake.

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When To Refuel

How long do you wait to fill up your gas tank? Do you consistently keep it full, half empty, riding close to the 'E' mark?

One blogger writes about what she thinks the advantages and disadvantages are of different fuel levels.

Kristy Welsh writes:

There has recently been a lot of talk on how you can get better gas mileage by driving when your tank is half full to empty or making sure you fill up when your tank is half full. Which is correct – or does either method hold any water?


The fill ‘er up when it’s half full foks proclaim that if you leave the gas tank empty, the gas will be evaporating in the empty space of the tank. Gas tanks are designed to force out all those gas fumes from the tank into the atmosphere and this gas is wasted. Yes, it’s true, but how much gas are you actually losing? To tackle this one, I woke up the engineering part of my brain (I used to be one) and looked at a paper published by the Environmental Protection Agency and their analysis of gasoline storage tanks and the evaporation rates.


At 60 degrees Fahrenheit, a gallon of vehicular gasoline weighs about 6.15 pounds. In the above paper on page 87 (if you want to chew through it), they go over what the gasoline vapor losses are for large storage tanks. For a 8400 gallon tank the total loss is 48 lbs (or about 8 gallons) a year.


Read more: http://www.creditinfocenter.com/wordpress/2008/07/24/increase-mileage-gas-tank-full-or-half-empty/

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The 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited Priced

Kia has come out with its pricing for the new fully loaded optima, starting at $34k. This comes with everything you love about Kia, with an additional suite of tech and creature comforts to keep you happy for years to come.

Kia has released the pricing details on the new Kia Optima SX with a Limited Package and if you’re interested get ready to fork out a starting price of $34,500. 

Of course, there aren’t many options since the Optima SXL comes totally fully-loaded with all the bells and whistles – but when you do add the $775 destination fee, you’re looking at a total of $35,275. 

“With the arrival of the Optima SXL, the Kia brand propels itself into a more premium class, which is something consumers have told us they want to see when they walk into our showrooms,” said Tom Loveless, Kia Motors America executive vice president, in a statement on Monday. 

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