Thursday, April 30, 2009

Car Diesel Selective Catalytic Reduction

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is an advanced emission-control technology that can help light-, medium-, and heavy-duty diesel vehicles meet stringent regulations on nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. In an SCR system, a liquid reducing agent composed of urea and water—known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)—is combined with engine exhaust in the presence of a catalyst to convert smog-forming NOx into harmless nitrogen and water vapor. See the diagram below.



The process starts with ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel combusted in an optimized diesel engine. Hot exhaust from the engine flows through a diesel particulate filter (which removes particulate matter) toward the SCR catalyst. DEF from a storage tank is injected into the exhaust stream, and the exhaust and finely atomized DEF enter the SCR catalyst chamber together. In the presence of the SCR catalyst, the exhaust and DEF react to convert NOx into nitrogen (N2) and water vapor.

One important requirement of an SCR system is consistently refilling the DEF storage tank. This occurs at approximately the interval of recommended oil changes for light-duty vehicles. The interval varies based on application for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. A DEF distribution system is being established to meet refilling needs.

Selective catalytic reduction has been used for decades in marine and large stationary diesel engines. The technology is used extensively with heavy-duty highway vehicles in Europe, where the DEF is marketed as AdBlue. The use of SCR in highway and non-road engines has been demonstrated in the United States, and several auto manufacturers are incorporating SCR into their U.S. diesel products. Tests have shown that SCR can reduce NOx emissions by 75% to 90%.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

How Cars are Tested

Step1:



In the laboratory, the vehicle's drive wheels are placed on a machine called a dynamometer that simulates the driving environment—much like an exercise bike simulates cycling.

The energy required to move the rollers can be adjusted to account for wind resistance and the vehicle's weight.

Step2:



On the dynamometer, a professional driver runs the vehicle through a standardized driving routine, or schedule, which simulates “typical” trips in the city or on the highway.

Step3:




Each schedule specifies the speed the vehicle must travel during each second in the test.

Right: The driver watches a computerized display that shows his driving statistics compared to the specified schedule.

Step4:



A hose is connected to the tailpipe to collect the engine exhaust.

The carbon in the exhaust is measured to calculate the amount of fuel burned during the test.

This is more accurate than using a fuel gauge.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Workers Risking Their Vehicle



There are many professions that need you to drive and be mobile as a part Florida auto insurance of your job. These professions could include something from traveling to another office in the company to being a traveling spokesperson for a company. Many companies distinguish this element of employees work and provide company cars or recompense their workers for the extra money Florida car insurance spent in petrol.

The problem is that if your employer does not tender Florida auto insurance a company vehicle suitably insured and you have to use your own car as an alternative then you are putting your car insurance at serious risk. Under normal car insurance cover you are allowable to drive to your Florida auto insurance place of work or to the train station car park, if you use your car for anything more than that with regards to your profession then you need to apply for comprehensive cover in the form of declaring the car will be used for Florida auto insurance business Florida auto insurance too.

If your Florida auto insurance car is not enclosed for Business Mileage Florida auto insurance then the insurance industry may not cough up when you make a assert whilst using your car for work. This means that if you go on a guidance course or transport the day’s Florida auto insurance takings to the bank then you could be putting physically at extra risk.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Ten Favorite Fuel Efficient Cars

1. Ford Focus


EPA city/highway mileage: 24/35 (manual), 24/33 (automatic)

2. Honda Fit


EPA city/highway mileage: 28/34 (manual), 27/34 (automatic Base), 27/33 (automatic Sport)

3. Honda Civic


EPA city/highway mileage: 26/34 (manual), 25/36 (automatic), 40/45 (hybrid)

4. Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC



EPA city/highway mileage: 23/32

5.MINI Cooper


EPA city/highway mileage: 28/37 (manual), 26/34 (automatic)

6. Nissan Altima

EPA city/highway mileage: 23/32 (manual), 23/31 (CVT automatic)

7. Nissan Sentra

EPA city/highway mileage: 24/31 (manual), 25/33 (CVT automatic)

8. Toyota Camry Hybrid

EPA city/highway mileage: 33/34

9. Toyota Corolla

EPA city/highway mileage: 26/35 (manual), 27/35 (automatic)

10. Toyota Prius

PA mileage: 48/45

Friday, April 24, 2009

Titling and Registering a Car

To find out how to title and register your vehicle, select whether you are buying a vehicle from an individual, a dealership or a family member.



To drive a vehicle on Michigan roads, it must be properly titled and registered. A title is a legal document recording who owns certain property. Information about the vehicle's model, make, year and license plate is shown on the registration. New Michigan residents must title and register their vehicles without delay.

Registration Requirements


New Michigan residents must immediately title and register their vehicles at a Secretary of State office and turn in the title from their previous home state. Titles are required for all motor vehicles and for all trailers 2,500 pounds and over. "Resident" means every person who resides in this state and establishes that he or she is legally present in the United States.

If your out-of-state title is being held by a lien holder or leasing company, you may take your previous state registration (it can be recently expired) or proof of your out-of-state title to any Secretary of State office. Proof of Michigan no-fault insurance is required to register a vehicle. The Department of State will issue a Michigan registration and plate to a vehicle with an out-of-state title.

If there is more than one owner showing on your out-of-state title, all owners must be present. If an owner cannot appear, he or she may complete and sign an Appointment of Agent form designating another individual to sign on his or her behalf.

Michigan passenger plate fees are based on the vehicle's manufacturers suggested retail price. All Secretary of State offices accept cash, checks or money orders. PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers also accept Discover and MasterCard at the counter.


When the time comes to renew your license plates, there are several convenient methods: online, telephone, mail, Self-Service Stations and at Secretary of State offices.

To avoid late fees, verify your expiration date by checking your vehicle registration. Most license plates expire on the owner's birthday and not at the end of the month.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Top luxury sports cars in 2009

Wheelsandmore Ford GT Front Angle Open Doors

Wheelsandmore Audi R8 Front Angle Section

Vorsteiner BMW E90 M3 Sedan Rear Angle

USD Mallett Corvette Z03 White Front Angle

Scion iQ Concept by Five Axis Front Angle Speed

RDSport BMW RS35 Biturbo Front Angle

Novitec TuLesto Front And Side

Novitec Ferrari 16M Front Angle

Nissan NISMO 370Z Front Angle Speed Tilt

MTM KTM X Bow 318HP Front Angle

MTM AudiR8 in Porsche Green Front Angle

Mercedes Benz F CELL Roadster Top Front And Side

Hyundai Nuvis Concept Studio Front And Side Open Doors

Hurst Hemi Dodge Challenger Front Angle

Hamann Imperator based on Bentley Continental GT Speed Front Angle

FAB Design Mercedes Benz SLR Desire Side

FAB Design Mercedes Benz CL Widebody Studio Front And Side Open Door

Dodge Challenger SE Rallye Front And Side

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Side Angle Speed

BMW X6 M Front And Side

2009 Acura ZDX Prototype

Monday, April 20, 2009

Three Wheel Electric Car

A three wheeled car, also known as a tricar or tri-car, is an automobile having either one wheel in the front for steering and two at the rear for power, two in the front for steering and one in the rear for power, or any other combination of layouts. Due to its handling superiority, an increasingly popular form is the front-steering "tadpole" or "reverse trike" sometimes with front drive but usually with rear drive.



Early car pioneer Karl Benz developed a number of three-wheeled models. One of these, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, is widely regarded as the first purpose-built automobile, and may be the first petrol car driven on British soil, in 1894. In 1896, John Henry Knight showed a tri-car, recognized as the first British-made motorcar, at The Great Exhibition.



Having one wheel in front and two in the rear for power reduces the cost of the steering mechanism, but greatly decreases stability. However, a configuration of two wheels in the front and one wheel at the back has many strong proponents among automotive designers and enthusiasts. Two advantages are its improved aerodynamics, and that it readily enables small lightweight motorcycle powerplants and rear wheels to be used. This approach was used by the BMW Isetta. Alternatively, a more conventional front-engine, front wheel drive layout as is common in four-wheeled cars can be used, with subsequent advantages for stability and traction.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Electronic Ten-Print Submission

Electronic Ten-Print Submission will originate from live-scan booking terminals or card scanners at either the federal, state or local level. Local submissions may be processed by a local AFIS and electronically transmitted to a state identification bureau for processing. If an identification is made at the state level, an Ident response will be transmitted back to the local agency, and if it is a criterion offense, it is to be forwarded to the FBI. The processing flow for a civil ten-print electronic submission is similar to the criminal ten-print flow, except that in the event of state level Ident response, the submission may still be forwarded to the FBI for processing under Federal and/or state statutory authority.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Light station in the U.S

Over Columbus Day weekend, I had the chance to travel up to Maine for a friend’s wedding. Lucky for me, the festivities concluded with a fabulous lobstah boil at Fort Williams Park, home of the Portland Head Light. As I walked around this breathtaking lighthouse, I could see why it was one of the most photographed spots in Maine.

Ever since I saw Pete’s Dragon as I kid, I have always found lighthouses intriguing, particularly the idea of living in one. And seeing one up close and personal only renewed this curiosity. So when I returned to D.C., I decided to find out more about U.S. lighthouses.

A quick search on USA.gov led me to find all kinds of interesting facts. Here’s just a few of them:

* The first lighthouse to use electricity was the Statue of Liberty;
* Boston Harbor Light Station is the only remaining light station in the U.S. to have an official keeper;
* Although rare, one lighthouse did make it the public auction phase of GSA’s property disposal program; and
* Some lighthouses have overnight accommodations. (I think I know where my next vacation will be.)

Have fun checking out all the lighthouse images on USA.gov, and please share your favorite lighthouse facts or memories.