FFVs Rolling Off to the Streets
Wednesday, December 28, 2005, posted by Jay Stevens at 9:53 PM


America’s best-selling vehicle is crafting change and innovation – thru FFVs. Production of the first Ford F-150 FFVs (flexible fuel vehicles) has already began this month. FFVs are a key part of Ford’s alternative fuel strategy. In the long run and thinking long-term, ethanol is an important step toward development of more efficient, future renewable bio-fuels, thus lessening dependence on foreign oil. This surely addresses customers’ concerns over high gas prices, and also provides environmental benefits.

Ken Ward, Ford’s manager of the Kansas City Plant, expresses, “We’re pleased to begin production of F-150 FFVs. Flexible fuel vehicles give customers the option of fueling with gasoline or the ethanol. Customers will find that the F-150 FFV offers the same functionality as the gasoline version F-150 – including horsepower and torque.” The flexible fuel technology is built into the F-150 and is available to patrons at no additional cost. They can operate on gasoline or ethanol blends up to E-85 (a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline).

This kind of new technology and innovation in the F150s could help reduce America’s dependency on foreign oil. Ethanol, the renewable fuel used in FFVs, is produced primarily from corn grown in the Midwest and is generally cheaper than the regular unleaded gasoline.

Certainly, that’s good news for me, and maybe for you, as well. I would be able to save more money this way. While I’m waiting for these new Ford vehicles to be available, I’ll just try pampering my old Ford F-150 with new parts. Ford Parts Online has certainly helped me out a couple of months back when I had to replace my Ford radiator. Browsing through their site, I’ve found quality Ford parts like Ford bumper fillers, Ford engine parts, and Ford wheels. That should get me occupied for a while.

 
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FCVs: New Hope of the Auto Industry
Thursday, December 22, 2005, posted by Jay Stevens at 12:59 AM


The emerging energy-saving and environment-friendly fuel cell technology is said to revolutionize on-road transportation in the next few years. Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) make use of electric motors that unlike those of electric vehicles, use their own electricity. Through this battery, FCVs are able to reduce the vehicle’s energy use and lower harmful emissions as well.

Fuel cells in the vehicle create electricity though chemical process that use hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air. There are several kinds of fuel cells; among them is the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, also known as the Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells. This type is commonly used in today’s vehicles.

Here’s how PEM fuel Cells work (derived from fueleconomy.gov):

  1. Hydrogen fuel is channeled though field flow plates to the anode on one side of the fuel cell, while oxygen from the air is channeled to the cathode on the other side of the cell.
  1. At the anode, a platinum catalyst causes the hydrogen to split into positive hydrogen ions (protons) and negatively charged electrons.
  1. The Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) allows only the positively charged ions to pass through it to the cathode. The negatively charged electrons must travel along an external circuit to the cathode creating an electrical current.
  1. At the cathode, the electrons and positively charged hydrogen ions combine with oxygen to form water, which flows out of the cell.

There are six Ford vehicles that use fuel cell technology, namely, the Ford Focus FCV (uses Hybrid hydrogen fuel cell, also available as electric vehicle), Ford Focus FCV (uses hydrogen fuel cell), Ford P2000 (uses hydrogen fuel cell), Ford Focus FC5 (uses methanol fuel cell) and the Mazda Premacy (uses methanol fuel cell).

All these cars are part of Ford Motor Company’s efforts to preserve the environment. Not known to many, Ford has made the delivery truck being used by the U.S. Postal Service in the communities around the world.

The abovementioned cars, however, are not yet widely sold. Ford currently moves them around the world for several shows and demonstrations and is still conducting researches and further studies on the said technology to refine its application in automobiles. FCVs are expected to reach mass market before 2010.

While these vehicles are not yet available at the dealer near you, you can work on your old Ford auto though Ford Parts Online’s high quality replacement Ford parts. The store is offering great discounts on all OEM-quality Ford parts like the Ford headlights, Ford grille, Ford radiator, Ford alternators, Ford wheels and so much more. Explore the site now and avail of their hottest deals.

 
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High-Tech Safety Parts, Worthy Investments
Tuesday, December 13, 2005, posted by Jay Stevens at 4:17 PM


Cars are so important these days. It’s nearly impossible to live life in a city normally without vehicles. Their importance is greatly evidenced by the fact that despite the rising prices of fuel and the increasing cost of driving a vehicle, still a lot of Americans prefer to drive their own vehicle or buy a new car instead of riding the public transport.

Whether your car is old or new, I’m pretty sure you care for it, thus, you maintain it and keep it in good shape as much as possible. Investing on your vehicle’s safety and protection is one of the things you should prioritize; this is neither a waste of money nor a capricious act. Since cars are so valuable these days, they become so attractive to thieves.

During this time of the year cars are particularly susceptible to car theft. Records show that more cars are stolen this season. Thus, Auto club of Southern California calls this time of the year as the “car theft season.”

Here are some of the most advanced safety devices installed in cars, you might want to add one of these to your car to secure it against any evil intentions of other people:
  • Ignition Kill Switch – when this feature is enabled, the car thief may not be able to start your car and thus take it away.
  • Fuel Kill Switch – this prevents the steering wheel from being turned.
  • Fuel Kill Switch – this halts fuel supply so the burglar won’t be able to drive your car away.
  • Floorboard Locks – these devices disable the gas or break pedal.
  • Gearshift Locks – these disable shifting of the transmission.
  • Tire/Wheel Locks – these lock the wheels and thus, prevent the vehicle from moving.
  • Hood Locks – these prevent the thief from gaining access to your security system and battery.
  • Armored Collar Around Steering Column – this protects the column and ignition.
  • Electronic Security Systems – this system has alarms that create loud warnings when the doors, hood or trunk are opened.
  • Vehicle Tracking – a vehicle tracking system has a transmitter hidden in the car that allows you to track the vehicle when stolen.
For your other Ford car or truck part needs, you can go to Ford Parts Online. This store specializes in top quality Ford parts for several Ford models, old and new. Parts from Ford Explorer parts to Ford Mustang parts are available at very affordable deals. Improve your car’s safety as well with the stores, OEM quality Ford wheels, Ford doors and Ford headlights.

 
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Beware, It’s Theft Season Says Auto Club
Thursday, December 01, 2005, posted by Jay Stevens at 9:59 PM


Auto Club of Southern California warns the public yesterday to be more cautious as we enter what they call as the “car theft season.” Based from past experiences, more vehicles are stolen at this time of the year, according to California Highway Patrol statistics. Last year, more than 11 percent of the 127,975 stolen vehicles in California were stolen in the month of December.

Even the latest vehicles that have the most sophisticated anti-theft devices are not safe, comments Daniel Brogdon, assistant group manager for the special investigation unit of the Interinsurance Exchange of the Auto Club. Those driving expensive and technologically advanced autos are in fact faced with higher risk of becoming theft victim.

To help avoid theft, Auto Club is giving these tips to auto users:

  1. Never leave your keys inside the vehicle, or leave your vehicle unlocked, even "just for a minute."
  1. Never leave valuable items visible inside the car, such as electronic devices, a purse, or luggage.
  1. Invest in an alarm system, ignition shutoff device and/or a theft tracking device.
  1. When possible, park your vehicle in a secure garage, or in well-lit areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
  1. Never leave a spare ignition key hidden on the vehicle.
  1. To report thefts or theft-related activity, call 1-800-TELL CHP.

For security devices, you may start browsing the net to know what brand is best for your car. Look for trusted brands to ensure your vehicle’s security. Remember that your car is an expensive investment and that it gives you great amount of comfort and convenience everyday.

Meanwhile if you need replacement auto parts for your Ford’s added safety, performance or style, you may go to Ford Parts Online. The store has top quality and equally Ford-tough replacement aftermarket Ford lights, Ford bumpers, Ford alternators, Ford wheels, and Ford taillights among thousands of other Ford parts.


 
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