When buying a new vehicle, especially today, it is very important to check out how fuel efficient a car is. Manufacturers tell us that this or that car will consume this amount of fuel for every mile traveled. But of course, they are biased since they would tend to tell consumers ideal gas mileage. So consumers trusts more the figures provided by the EPA. But then again, there have been many reports that EPA's gas mileage computation which is posted on the windows of new vehicles is far from real world gas mileage of vehicles. This year, the EPA has formulated to a way to come up with a gas mileage rating system that will give consumers a good idea of how fuel efficient a vehicle is.

"This is a transition year, when some cars will still have the old labels and some cars will have the new ones," said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "So consumers should be sure they're comparing vehicles with the same label format when considering fuel economy." Some consumers maybe confused that vehicles released this year consumes more fuel than their predecessors. But in reality, only the way that EPA calculates their gas mileage rating has changed.

"The labels and new calculations take into consideration many of the factors that have changed in the 20 years since the EPA last updated the labels. For example, we now tend to drive at higher speeds, with faster accelerations and while using more air conditioning. So consumers should be sure they're comparing vehicles with the same label format when considering fuel economy."

What the EPA has done is to tae into account various factors today which affects a vehicle's fuel consumption like weather, road conditions, posted speed limits, tire inflation, and others. In the past, these factors are not included in computing a vehicle's fuel efficiency.

"Fuel economy is important to both automakers and consumers," said McCurdy. "We're pleased to be able to give customers the most reliable information we can to help them achieve the best mileage possible," he concluded.

Mazda has finally tied up with the circle of car manufacturers that brings out innovative hybrid vehicles in the industry today. On the news from TheAutoChannel.com, Mazda unveiled their new type of hybrid car last Tuesday as reported by Yuri Kageyama for AP. According to Mazda, the latest hybrid vehicle in their lineup will be available for leasing next year in Japan. The hybrid, which is named the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, has already appeared to some automotive eyes, but is scheduled to have its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid functions on a rotary engine. This engine has established a reputation for being quiet because it doesn’t make use of pistons like regular engines.

The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is powered by energy created when hydrogen blends with oxygen in the air to release only purified water. A usual rotary engine operates on gasoline, but the rotary engine on the new Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE runs on hydrogen stored up in a tank. But it can switch to gas when hydrogen is unavailable.

The newest hydrogen hybrid is a progress more than its earlier hydrogen vehicle according to Mazda officials. It was said that it has no plans to lease the car overseas according to Mazda.

The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery that runs the motor and self-recharges with the use of energy from braking - an extra way to conserve electricity. Mazda declined to say what dealers has been supplying into the battery. According to the news, the leasing cost will be the same as the predecessor at about 400,000 yen (US$3,500; euro2,500) a month, according to Mazda.

"Its shape developed from studies of sheer fabric fluttering in the wind, and its interior was based on 'koinobori,' or carp-shaped decorations of cloth that Japanese put up to sway in the wind to celebrate Children's Day, a national holiday. Air is a very important substance, but it is invisible," says Chief Designer Atsuhiko Yamada.

The Ford Transit has become a phenomenal model since the day it was unveiled and offered in various dealerships. The exceptional success of this vehicle has rapidly grown over the past months - as damn fast as a spinning Audi radiator fan! According to Ford.com, this commercial vehicle from Ford of Europe maintained a nurturing progress courtesy of the latest ground-cracking Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and its all-new engine! This will cater and be available for the Ford Transit, this year’s winner of the International Van of the Year 2007.

The Ford Transit is now out with an all-new five-cylinder in-line Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel engine, intended for those customers who seek additional power, augmented payload and driving convenience. This 3.2-litre power plant extends a most of 200 PS. On the other hand, torque hits the highest point at 470 Nm and can be sustained between a wide band of 1,700 - 2,500 rpm. Consistent with other engines in the Transit portfolio, it meets the European Stage IV Emissions standards. Ford of Europe includes the new engine to their powertrain array.

"The new addition of the 3.2-litre 200 PS Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder engine to the Transit powertrain line-up adds further versatility to the Transit range. Combined with the upgraded transmission long-haul driving, towing capabilities and overall driving quality are all significantly enhanced," says Simon Palmer, the Powertrain Programme Manager.

"Many of our customers told us they needed a more powerful engine for their long-haul deliveries, and our new 200 PS Duratorq TDCi engine is bound to impress both in terms of performance and efficiency," said Henrik Nenzen, the director for Commercial Vehicles, Marketing Sales & Service of Ford of Europe.

"All these new Transit models are further evidence of how Ford listens and responds to the variety of feedback of its loyal Transit owner body", said Phil Collareno, Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Commercial Vehicles.

With its exceptional torque of 470Nm that gives a vast performance, the 200 PS engine is irrespective of the load or road gradient supplies to less 'driver fatigue'. It drops the promptness of gear changes as it can be driven at a higher gear for longer times and distances.

"With one of the largest capacity engines in its class, the new 200 PS delivers more power than any of its two tonne segment key competitors," said Simon Palmer.

"We've always ensured that Transit has been kept up to date and modern in its exterior design and interior features with their high quality and durable finish," said Collareno. "It is important to make new driver assistance technologies and features available to our customers and to retain the Transit's leading status within the commercial vehicle sector. These features, coupled with the additional GVM weights and new TDCi engine will continue to make Transit the favourite choice all over Europe."

"These specialist converters realise that their customers rely on their judgement of base vehicle selection and they naturally demand effortless performance whilst having a high degree of confidence in the vehicle's reliability and durability," says Collareno.

It's our responsibility as car owners to provide the appropriate care and maintenance for our most beloved car. One of the basic things required is cleaning your car's engine. It may sound hard but believe me, it's not that complicated, let me tell you! All you need are the right tools for the job and of course, the knowledge on how you run this task using your own hands! So suit up and listen to me.

The engine should be kept clean at all times. Cleanliness is a big factor when it comes to driving performance. In order for you to get the job done correctly, you need some friendly tools to assist you in this semi-perspiring task. Now get some eye protection like goggles as well as WD-40, garden hose, plastic bags, a battery terminal puller and rags. Follow the stops below and good luck:

• Get rid of the negative terminal cable on the battery then the positive terminal cable.
  
• Wrap any out in the open electrical parts with a plastic bag to prevent this from getting soaked. This will help the electrical components of the car from being exposed to water which will be needed in cleaning your car’s engine.
  
• Prepare the garden hose. Rinse the engine thoroughly, removing any scrap of dirt around the area.
  
• Seek advice from the vehicle's service manual and search for material that will be required to clean the engine block and other metal components. Some WD-40 would be nice, but be cautious, because it is highly flammable. Be sure to follow the instructions on the container.
  
• Take away the plastic after washing the engine and cleaning away remains of the WD-40 or whatsoever chemical you placed in clean the metal components.
  
• Let the engine run for an hour or two or until the engine has completely dried.
  
• WD- 40 is highly flammable and should be kept away from heat, and the negative terminal must be removed first.
  
• If there is no open fire, WD-40 is not a problem. It will be a lot smoke but not flammable.

I was browsing for some car parts like the Honda Accord strut tower brace on the net when I saw this particular question and answer session with Tom and Ray Magliozzi who were talking about “Engine may blow if old car has to tow.” The Charlotte newsguide has the question and answer at their official website.

Here is how the interview went:

Q. I own a 1992 Toyota Camry Wagon V6 automatic with 150,000 miles on it. Recently, I installed a trailer hitch so I could mount a bike rack. As I was standing there admiring the way the bikes easily went on and off the rack, I began wondering if I could use this car to pull a very light pop-up trailer. My brother says doing so would be the equivalent of transmission suicide, but several trailer-hitch Web sites say that my wagon is good for up to 2,000 pounds. What do you think? Should I go for the light trailer or stick with my damp and humid tent? - Mark

TOM: I think you're headed down a slippery slope. First it's the bike rack, then it's the pop-up trailer. Next time you write, you'll be wanting to tow the Exxon Valdez. I'd quit while you're ahead.

RAY: Towing puts a lot of stress on any vehicle.

TOM: When you tow something, you're asking the engine, the transmission and the suspension to carry - in some cases - several thousands of extra pounds. Not to mention the added aerodynamic drag of the refrigerator box you're suddenly dragging around. That's stressful enough on a new car, but here you're talking about a car that's 15 years old.

RAY: So unless you're eager to drive this old Camry into the ground so you can buy something new, I'd limit the amount of towing you do. Stick with your old tent. Splurge instead on brand-new mosquito netting.

TOM: And when you do buy a new car, that's the time to think about whether you'll be towing stuff on a regular basis. Then you can order it with a big enough engine, a transmission cooler and, most importantly, an extended warranty.