Unfortunately, a brand new EV from the car dealership is still very expensive. Be prepared to invest upwards of $40,000 for a plug-in EV. Most people would not be able to afford that. The best alternative is to convert a conventional automobile into an EV.

One of the most popular cars used for EV retrofitting is the Volkswagen Beetle. VW Beetle electric conversion is relatively easy compared to other model in the market. This is because there are many readymade Beetle Bug electric car conversion kits.

Why use a VW Beetle as an electric car conversion donor car? The main reason is the cost. You can find an old VW almost anywhere. Even a damaged Bug is fine; the electric conversion will be taking out the internal combustion engine anyway.

Due to its popularity, many workshops have designed and made the conversion kit available for any DIY electric car enthusiast. All they have to do is order the kit, get it sent to their home and they can begin retrofitting their VW Beetle.

However, even with the electric conversion kit, not everyone can do the project. You must have some basic understanding on how an automobile works.

You also must have the necessary tools and equipment for the conversion. Without those, it would be a better idea just to outsource the Beetle electric conversion to a professional mechanic.

Will Yap is an electric vehicle enthusiast and writes about DIY electric car on his blog. Want to know how to look for good electric car conversion plans? Get more information at www.cbelectriccar.com/blog

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/vw-beetle-electric-conversion-cheap-and-easy-diy-electric-car-1406255.html

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VW Beetle Electric Conversion – Cheap And Easy DIY Electric Car

What are some things you can do to prepare your car for the highest degree of safety before inclement weather sets in? Here are a handful of items that you can add to your auto service checklist:

•    Windshield Wiper Blades - Are your blades working properly. If you rarely use your blades during the summer and live in places where the sun can dry them out, it is most likely that the rubber will harden and the blades will not work as well when you need them.  If you live in an area where you expect heavy snow during the winter, you may want to consider switching your blades for snow blades .

•    Tires - This is a big one. There are many inspections to be made on your tires before winter sets in. The first is to make sure they are properly inflated. Under- or over-inflated tires can reduce the gripping action as the tread won't meet the road surface as it was designed to. If you are in a place where there is a lot of snow or ice, try using tires made just for this kind of weather. Snow and ice tires have a special tread compound and a unique tread design to increase road-gripping abilities.

•    Your Shoes - Yes, your shoes. Snow and mud can compound on the bottom of your shoes, which can cause slippery braking. This and when the snow melts off of your shoes and gathers on the floor, can make your floorboard slippery and difficult for you to use your gas, clutch or brake accurately.

•    Watch The Braking - If you have driven in ice and snow, this one is problem second nature to you, but so many people forget to retrain themselves and their driving habits during the winter. Avoid harsh use of your brakes while driving. If you need to make an emergency stop in a car equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), firmly press the pedal down and hold it to the floor.

•    Coolant - Flush and refill your cooling system as recommended. Check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant periodically.

•    Heater and Defroster - Make sure your cars heater and defroster are in good working condition before you have to depend on them. A failed heating system will leave passengers cold, while a broken defroster can dangerously reduce visibility.

•    Battery - Nothing worse than getting caught in the cold with a dead battery and we all know how the weather can drain a battery. Before it gets too cold out, hire a technician to check your battery. Only professional equipment can detect weak batteries.

•    Stay Prepared - Last, keep a blanket, shovel, flares and some high-energy snacks in the vehicle just in case you get hung up in the snow or cold weather. While it may be warm in your car and warm at the destination you will arrive at, anything can happen, leaving you without heat during your travels. When this happens you want to make sure you have something warm as a backup to wear until help comes.

Take precautions in checking over this list and hopefully your winter driving travels will be safe and warm.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/your-vehicle-and-winter-driving-1405525.html

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Your Vehicle and Winter Driving

The well-furnished Fiat car interior represents the perfect mix of elegance, style and luxury. Inside, every feature is seemed to put so thoughtfully that you will hardly get a chance to complain about non-availability of any advanced option.

Additionally, you will be happy to find the availability of superb entertainment system, controls mounted steering wheel, digital illuminated panel, seats with head rests and voluminous space. This helps you to store maximum of luggage leaving enough space for a cozy and comfortable seating for the passengers. To add to its worthiness this car is instilled with sporty wheel-rims along with fashionable bumpers.

No need to spend more when you have fiat car steering as your road companion. Make the most out of your Fiat car purchase as it is bundled with three engine variants that give you maximum of fuel efficiency. You will get the illuminated digital console panel that has further added to its preference over other similar sedan car models.

Your gist to have a great and pleasurable driving experience is fulfilled by the Fiat car’s responsive suspension system that imparts you with a great and happy driving experience. Shed off all your worries about your safety while you are on a ride in this exclusive Fiat car model as it is instilled with side and roof bags along with ABS and EBD features.

You can buy Fiat Linea 1.4 T-jet online in India if you want to get the advantage of FPS feature (fire protection system) with which help you to keep a check on the excess fuel supply to engine, in case need occurs. If you have decided to buy Linea 1.4 jet online in India you will have maximum of color choices with this fabulous car model such as Cool Jazz Blue, Tecno Grey, Flamenco Red, Lullaby Blue etc.

Right from its front seats to its rear seats and from pedals to its steering, the car is an illustrious sporty car model.

For more detail on Buy Car log on to http://www.naaptol.com/

Devika Rajpali is a well known author and has written articles on ,purchasing cars and Tata Elegante, Mahindra Xylo, many more cars and their colours.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/fiat-linea-14-jet-car-the-best-you-can-have-1401356.html

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Fiat linea 1.4 jet Car – The Best You Can Have

Seats of your car occupy most of the space inside your car. Seats of your car determine the quality of experience you get inside your car. Since your seats have to deal with tons of frictions, abrasions, abuses, and hazards, dust, water etc. Kids and pets also leave dirty claws on your original upholstery. In order to have greater fun and pleasure, you need to maintain your original upholstery.

Car seat covers are one of the most effective ways to protect your original upholstery. There are varieties of seat covers on offer online as well as offline.  However, getting any seat cover may not serve your purpose. Therefore you need to get custom tailored seat covers for your automotive.

Custom car seat covers are prepared keeping the specifications of your car, the auto accessories fit right. Snug fitting is the first condition that your seat covers must provide. Besides protecting your upholstery, the fitting accessories add convenience and comfort to your seats as well.  

There are certain aspects that you need to find in your custom seat covers before you decide on a particular accessory. Your seat covers must be made of strong and flexible materials. The manufacturers of repute use tested materials that are tough yet soft. There are several other features such as UV resistance, abrasion resistance, friction-proof, and breathability that custom seat covers come with.

Available in a wide range of car makes and models, you have the opportunity to select the custom made seat covers for your car and get optimum protection against hazards and greater appeal inside your car. Some of the best auto accessories include Leatherette seat covers, Tweed seat covers, Genuine Leather seat covers, Neoprene seat covers, NeoSupreme seat covers, Ballistic seat covers, and Velour seat covers among others.

Andrew Hudson has been researching and reporting on seat covers for years. For More Information on Car Seat Covers, Visit his site at Custom Covers.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/customfit-car-seat-covers-tips-to-get-effective-auto-accessories-1396316.html

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Custom-fit Car Seat Covers: Tips to Get Effective Auto Accessories

The CR-Z is nothing less than a full frontal assault on the hybrid market in the United States. The car is a two-seater that is rumored to incorporate an integrated motor assist system that incorporates a 1.3 liter engine. The CR-Z, which stands for Compact Renaissance Zero, gets its sportiness from both the design and the fact that it is expected to be very light weight.

The initial prototype of the vehicle was shown at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. It incorporates a longer nose with sleek, banked styling that runs to a higher end, flat rear. If I had to compare it to any other car, it looks like a revved up Honda Insight although with very distinct lines. You can look up images online from the show to see it.

The real beauty of the CR-Z is found in an area that is rarely available in a new, revolutionary sporty car. Yes, I am talking about the price. All indications are Honda is trying to bring this car in to wipe up the market. The proposed retail price is a paltry $20,000. This is the equivalent of a Prius, but with much better lines and performance. Well, at least we think better performance. Honda has released no information on just how sporty the performance will be. Still, one has to imagine it will be better than your average hybrid.

The age of hybrids is in full bloom. The Honda CR-Z seems to fill a niche that has demand these days. With a price in the $20,000 range, it may be a huge hit.

Dirk Gibson is with DCJAutoParts.com - your online clearing house for low prices on aftermarket car parts and accessories.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/honda-crz-hybrid-sports-car-coming-in-fall-2010-1393799.html

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Honda CR-Z Hybrid Sports Car Coming in Fall 2010

After market exhaust system are built for power.  There are a couple other benefits that actually come with extra power as well.  Not only is a performance exhaust system going to give a nice increase in power that you can feel in the seat of your pants. It will also increase engine efficiency. With the pipes that lead the way out of the exhaust being larger in diameter, and having mandrel bends that make a much easier exit path for the exhaust gasses, the engine doesn’t have to work so hard to get the exhaust gasses out. Because of that, you end up with increased engine longevity. The gasses are cooler because they aren’t getting backed up, and the engine runs a little cooler. On top of all that

Upgrading out of the stock exhaust system will change the sound of the Challenger.  Don’t get me wrong, the stock sound is a good sound but it isn’t great.  Some things in life are good and there isn’t anything wrong with good.  We are judged by averages in everything we do and say, performance in the work place is judged on averages, but what happens to those that are above average, they excel.  Why not shoot for being above average, too many people are content with being just as good as the other guy.  A performance exhaust with a deeper, more muscular sound, and better looks would definitely separate one Challenger from the other. Not to mention more power.

To some, sound is everything for others it is the power improvements.  Most any Aftermarket Exhaust System will improve the performance of the Dodge Challenger.  With gains in all the major areas of performance, horse power, torque and like I mentioned earlier gas mileage.  The best exhaust upgrades for the Dodge Challenger are made by MBRP though. We’ve seen the biggest power gains from their kits and they come with a lifetime warranty.

For example an MBRP exhaust for the Dodge Challenger will increase the horse power by 24 horses at the rear wheels and 24 extra ft/lbs of torque on the 5.7L V8, and the gains on the 6.1L SRT8 are 29 hp and 25 tq, and on the V6 Challengers 14 horsepower and 9 torque for the upgraded single exhaust, and an incredible 20 hp and 12 tq when you upgrade the V6 challenger to a dual exhaust.  All while gaining 1-3 miles per gallon while driving conservatively.  The MBRP exhaust system for the Dodge Challenger is a 3” Exhaust for all the V8 engines and 2.5” on the V6 engines and are available in either T-304 or T-409 stainless steel. The T-304 is the higher quality system and the T-409 is a little more cost effective, and still a quality system. Neither of the systems are going to rust.

If you are looking for an easy way to boost performance and the curb appeal then an aftermarket Performance exhaust is the answer.

When looking for a Dodge Challenger Exhaust System, the MBRP Dodge Challenger Exhaust System is our favorite Dodge Challenger Performance upgrade- JD

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/dodge-challenger-exhaust-1388070.html

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Dodge Challenger Exhaust

When it comes to durability, no other vehicle is as synonymous as the Volvo cars. They were made to be nearly indestructible and they lived up to that. Many old cars are still running today. Even the cars that are not on the road any longer will not have an owner that will say anything but good things about the car that served them so well for so many years.

When people own a Volvo, they know that they are buying a car that will not have to be replaced anytime soon. Instead of getting rid of the car, it will often just get handed down to one of the children. Then they go out and purchase a new Volvo to take the old one’s place. This is because these people are totally dedicated to this car.

Once you drive Volvo cars, no other car is going to be the same. Not only are they durable, but they are also very drivable. One of the problems with most cars that are built to last is that they can be hard to handle.

The same cannot be said about Volvo. They are very user friendly and they do not have issues with stability on the road. The car also handles like a dream which is another reason that people love them so much.

Those who are looking to purchase a new car would do well with any model made by Volvo. They are still built as tough as they were when the first one was made so many decades ago. You are going to get a great car that is going to last you and your family for many, many years.

By Neil Baulch. For info concerningVolvo Cars go to our site at Volvo Cars to locate a bunch more of my articles concerning the evolving car of future generations - the evolvo car.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/volvo-cars-have-always-been-durable-1377576.html

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Volvo Cars Have Always Been Durable