Making-Money-Month Is Now!

Summer has not yet arrived but soon enough, it would already be felt. And when summer arrives, it means fun and a lot of driving to vacation spots for many people. However, with the gas prices skyrocketing, it would not be a surprise to find many people opting to take lesser and shorter trips.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the gas price already averages some $2.60 a gallon which is 40 cents greater compared to the prices of just a year ago. To assist motorists and vehicle owners in getting their dollar’s worth in gas through a greater mileage, Alexander Karsner who is the new DOE assistance secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy states, “Keeping vehicles properly maintained and driving smart can significantly boost mileage and lower gasoline costs.” The Alliance to Save Energy Power $avings’ President, Kateri Callahan, adds, “Households paid more than $4000 last year to power their homes and vehicles. Consumers can cut those costs with tips from the DOE/Alliance Power $avings campaign.”

The DOE/Alliance Power $avings campaign is a list of tips and tricks that could assist vehicle owners and motorists in keeping and achieving the best gas mileage. Of course, by having a much higher mileage would mean longer trips and more fun during the coming summer months.

While driving, obeying the speed limit and keeping down aggressive driving also increases fuel mileage. Maintaining a steady speed also cuts fuel consumption. And if you would be taking long rides, try to lessen your baggage. The heavier the cargo inside the vehicle, the more gas it consumes.

By keeping your vehicle properly tuned up improves gas mileage by about four percent. This is according to the said campaign. Also, keeping your vehicle in tiptop shape helps a lot. Clean air filters provides an added 10 percent in gas mileage, properly inflated tires by 3.3 percent, and the right motor oil by one to two percent.

Replacing your parts would be the wisest move if there are already worn out and damaged parts. Ford Parts Discount is one of the trusted dealers of Ford parts around the globe. In fact, it holds quality Ford Escort ZX2 parts plus other parts for the various Ford models.

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Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry.

An electric trailer brake controller is a device that supplies power from a tow vehicle to a trailer’s electric brakes. There are two types of brake controllers on the market today - Time Delay Activated and Inertia Activated.

While the controllers operate differently, they are very similar. Both types have the same wiring configuration. Both allow the driver to adjust the amount of braking power and both have a pressure sensitive manual override switch that can be used to apply the trailer brakes independently of the tow vehicle.

Time Delay Activated Brake Controls

Time Delay Activated or “solid state” controllers are enabled by the depressing of the brake pedal in the tow vehicle. Once enabled, time delay activated controllers apply a gradual voltage to the trailer’s brakes using a Time Delay Circuit.

The advantages of a solid state brake control unit are the inexpensive cost, low profile, and they can be mounted at any angle. The disadvantages mostly pertain to Hazard Flashers issues. In most applications the digital display will flash with the hazard flashers and if the gain is set aggressively, some pulsing of the trailer brakes may be felt.

Hazard Flasher issues can be resolved by using a Pulse Preventer that will isolate the brake control from the vehicles flashers, thus eliminating the pulsing.

Inertia Activated Brake Controls

Inertia Activated Brake Controllers or Pendulum Style controllers are enabled by the depressing of the brake pedal and activated by a Pendulum Circuit that senses the stopping motion of the vehicle. The Pendulum Circuit applies a proportional voltage to the trailer’s brakes.

When the Inertia activated brake control is properly adjusted, the trailer will decelerate at the same speed as the towing vehicle. A result of this is increased braking efficiency and reduced wear on the brakes.

Advantages of pendulum style controllers are efficient braking under a variety of braking conditions including adverse conditions. They also have a smooth braking motion.

Pendulum style controllers have a few disadvantages also. They tend to be larger than solid state controller. They usually more expensive and they must be mounted in a level position. Tekonsha’s Prodigy controller is an exception. Due to its innovative technology, it can be mounted in almost any position.

Whether the brake control is Timer Activated or Inertia Activated, the gain can be adjusted by the user. Both feature a pressure sensitive switch that can be used to apply the trailer brakes independent of the tow vehicle. Most importantly, both styles achieve the same goal safely and reliably.

About The Author

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We go to great lengths to make sure our vehicles are ready for winter. Who wants to get stuck in sub-zero degree weather with a stalled car?

But what about during the summer? Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced.

Periodic maintenance on your car will save you tremendous hassle in the long run. Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too! I made it a point to get my car serviced according to the dealer’s schedule, and when I traded it in, I got far more than I expected due to the stellar condition of the engine.

Now I know this isn’t bedtime reading, but the owner’s manual can be your best friend - assuming you read it! At least take a look-through periodically. How about while you’re waiting to get your oil changed?

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. This could save you a major breakdown.

Have the air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician. A check up here can save you a huge bill later.

The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Prevent this problem by making sure the cooling system is flushed and refilled as recommended.

Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive.

Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.

Replace air and fuel filters as recommended.

Get plenty of windshield washer solvent - we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter, so your fluids may be low.

Tires should be rotated every 5000 miles or so.

Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!

Transmission troubles equal money troubles equal emotional troubles! Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills.

If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away.

Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left!

Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working.

Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.

There you go - a simple list to keep your car in great running shape. Remember, your car needs to be maintained and checked over even in the summer.

Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle!

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