Replacing the rear wiper blade is an important, although frequently overlooked, part of regular maintenance on a vehicle.   Typically only SUV's, vans, and minivans will have a rear wiper blade, because of the slope of the rear windshield.  Rain water and debris will typically not cascade properly off of this surface, so having a functioning rear wiper blade is important.

The past 2 days have been treacherous for me, due to all the freezing rain and snow we've received in the midwest.  Now, I always make sure that my front wipers are in top working condition, but blasted if I didnt' forget the rear wiper.  Although my rear defrost works like a charm, it couldn't keep up with the freezing rain and my rear wiper wasn't even good enough to wipe the snow away.

The predicament I was in could have easily been avoided, had I just remembered to routinely check and replace my rear wiper.  It's more important than you know, especially if ice is building up faster than your defrost can work.  It may be fine during just rain, but when snow and other things start building up you will appreciate that rear wiper a lot more.

Generally attractive and hybrid don't go in the same sentence, but Ford has done a wonderful job with their Escape Hybrid.  The Ford Escape Hybrid is a plug-in style hybrid, adorning an SUV body.  Imagine that a hybrid that seats more than 4 small kids and looks great driving down the road.

The bad news is that you won't find the Escape Hybrid actually on the road until possibly 2012.  Not to say Ford doesn't have a running model as we speak, some lucky journalists were able to test drive the Escape Hybrid up to 10 mph at the Detroit Auto Show.  But, it's real hard to road test a 120 mpg SUV without going over 10 mph, and drivin garound in a basement.

Yuma Police are getting a sneak peak at the Escape Hybrid and have purchased 2 new SUV's to put into patrol duty.  This cost Yuma Police an estimated $50,000 each, which includes all the police goodies like lights, safety equipment, etc.  Shouldn't take too long to earn back that money with gas savings from the 120 mpg Escape Hybrid.

"We have taken them out and put them through the paces," said Sgt. George Mitchell, lead driving instructor for YPD. "They are comparable to the Crown Victorias we are driving now, which is a pleasant surprise. The speed, handling and maneuverability is all there."

Escape Hybrid

According to Ford the plug-in Escape Hybrid becomes fully charged after about 6-8 hours and can be plugged into a 120v outlet.  This full-charge will deliver amazing gas mileage for about 30 miles, but then will revert back to typical hybrid fuel efficiency performance.

Video Of Ford Escape Hybrid In Action

This would possibly be the first hybrid vehicle that I would buy, for personal use.  I love the Escape Hybrid lines, utility, and promise of being able to pass more gas stations.

Right now, holding the phone to my ear, hands sweaty, mind racing, what will my Mustang feel like with an all new crate motor this spring?  It's exciting and anxiety induscing trying to pick the perfect crate motor, I know, I've been there.  But don't let the potential for unlimited horsepower and a shiny new heart for your baby blind you from the truth.  The truth is that most cars are not ready for a new power plant, that souped up crate motor may just break more than the bank.

Crate Motor

Consider the following, your car can only perform as good as it's weakest link.  For example, having 500 horsepower under your foot doesn't do any good if you have bicycle tires.  And, having a great intake system will not get it's greatest benefit if you have restrictive exhaust.  The same goes for your motor, when buying a crate motor it's important to make sure your weakest link is replaced first.

If you have a worn out stock motor, then you probably have a worn out stock transmission system.  By just swapping out a new crate motor, with bigger horsepower numbers, you are now applying more stress on that tired transmission.  Probably just a matter of time before old faithful takes a dump on you, making that shiny new crate motor an expensive paper weight.

I would recommend making sure the following components are beefed up before going with a higher horsepower crate motor.

• Beefed Up Transmission - Nothing spells disaster for an old transmission than a big horsepower crate motor.
• Proper Suspension - Having the proper suspension setup can be more important than horsepower.  The suspension in your car, if tuned properly, will have a big impact on power transfer.  The goal is to get the power to the ground, not just at the flywheel.
• The Right Motor Mounts - If the place you are buying your crate motor from offers a mount kit, buy it, don't go flimsy chensy on this new investment.  A powerful motor can twist itself right out of the engine bay, the same goes for the rear end.
• Professional Installation - Sure it looks easy in all the car magazines, but actually installing a crate motor can be a big undertaking.  This can be especially true if this is the first time you've ever seen an engine not located snugly under a hood.

So, those are my tips on buying a crate motor, or what to prepare for when buying a new crate motor.  Consider this a checklist for buying a crate motor, to help save you money, and hardache down the road.  After all, we want the performance in our minds to reflect directly into the first time we plant the throttle on the road.

Crate Motors on eBay

Crate Motor Buyer Guide Engine Book Chevy Ford Mopar    US $.99

USED VALVE COVERS OFF GM PERFORMANCE CRATE 350 MOTOR    US $1.99

502 CID AIR CLEANER DECAL for BBC crate motor    US $5.49

Lexus, a Toyota Brand, has recalled over 200,000 units due to faulty fuel delivery components.  The models effected are the Lexus GS 300/50, Lexus IS 250/350, and the LS 460/460L models.

The source of the problem comes from ethanol fuel, which some have a low moisture content that causes corrosion to the Lexus components.  The corrosion could eventually lead to a pin hole, leaking fuel, with potential for fire.

For more information and an official notice from Toyota on the recall, please view this PDF.

I'm not a huge fan of foreign cars, tuners, or even rally inspired sedans, but the new WRX liftback got my attention.  It's rare that a car peaks my interest without the assitance of a throaty V8.  But how could anyone even slightly interested in good engineered performance from a handling perspective.  Not to mention a platform that has  been tried and true on and off the track.

Enter the 09 Subaru WRX STi 'liftback', which is a nice way of saying a 5-Door hatchback curve cutter.  And that throaty V8 sound I mentioned earlier, think turbo charged 4 cylinder capable of 300+ horsepower at 6,000 rpms.  Knowing it's not all about the horsepower, can you imagine they are pumping over 290 ft lbs of torque through this light weight aluminum power box?

What has reviewers singing the praise of this rally worthy WRX is it's ability to tune itself to the driver.  That's right, the 09 WRX STi is capable of adapting to the type of driving or abuse the driver puts the WRX through.  Furthermore the 09 WRX is equipped with a control center where you can tweak the performance at the flip of a switch.  There are 3 options that allow for different types of clutch and throttle response, which can make getting groceries a lot more exciting.

Although price can be relative, I think of all the other vehicles that could be had for a $40k price tag.  Hell, taking a $20k car and dumping $20k in modifications would be more my style, but I don't think the STi is targeted at me.  Rather the European market, with money to burn, and more curves to carve.

09 Subaru WRX STi

09 Subaru WRX STi

Upper class rejoice, over paid CEO's start clapping, and the rest of us, well just look stunned that there was such an award.  What Car? is Britains biggest car buying guide and as such hosted their latest Awards ceremony last night in London.  The Jaguar XF ran away with the award for the second year running.

WhatCar? editor, Steve Fowler, commented: "Jaguar's XF is a deserving winner once again – and it's about to get even better with new, greener engines. The XF is all about style, poise and pace – driving one is always a special occasion and the interior is one of the most dramatic of any car at any price."

Dramatic is right, considering in the US the Jaguar XF holds a price tag of around $60k, loaded with toys.  Most reviewers never tire of the latest 09 XF gadgets like rotating vents and rising gear selectors.  For a common man like myself, these options just feel like something else that could break.  However, I am not the target audience, it's the executives and they have to impress their friends some how.

The 2010 XF will be available for ordering now, but dont' expect to get your money smelling hands on them till around March.

09 Jaguar XF

Ford has seriously revamped the all new 2010 Mustang GT, making an already appealing car drip with sex appeal.  At least for a car nut like myself, the only thing needed to complete the package would be a Racing Fuel smelling air freshner, dangling from the rear view mirror.  But I digress, the new 2010 Mustang GT is really starting to win over even the most jaded reviewers of Fords staple stallion.

Sound Piping

The most noticable change in the 2010 Mustang Gt is the sound you hear in the cabin.  Ford has literally piped in sound from the engine bay, to the cabin, so you can enjoy the sweet tones of the 4.6 liter V8.   This all new for 2010 sound pipe is equipped with a Tuned Membrane to allow the perfect transfer of sound, no fumes, to the driver and those lucky enough to be riding along.

2010 Mustang Mods

Those lucky enough to swing by the Mustang Stable at the Los Angeles International Auto Show was able to fully customize an all new 2010 Mustang.  Thanks to computer technology customers could build and modify to their hearts content and then see the Mustang built right in front of them, on the computer screen.  Optional accessories and modifications include everything from different wheels and tires to hood and sidescoops.

“Nobody has done this before with a new vehicle as popular as Mustang,” said Mark Conforzi, chief designer, Vehicle Personalization.

These mods will be available to anyone ordering a 2010 Mustang from their local dealership.  As of this posting Ford is making available over 40 unique mods that can be ordered.  No doubt this will be a great selling point for those that want to make their 2010 Mustang their own, without hitting up after market companies.

When Can You Buy 2010 Mustang GT?

Ford is suspected to open up orders for the 2010 Mustang this Spring, but your wait may depend on your order.  Knowing the condition of the Big 3 right now they may be hungry to push these out the door.  Retail is expected to be around $28,000 for the 315 horsepower V8 2010 Mustang GT.

Video Of 2010 Mustang GT

Ford.com Press Release Notes

Customizing 2010 Mustang

Official Ford Press Box

2010 Mustang GT

No longer is buying a new vehicle limited to buying either a gas or diesel engine, now buyers have the option to buy hybrid or regular cars.  The difference between hybrid and regular cars lies in the power train and varies by technology.  This article will discuss what it means to be a hybrid, the difference types of hybrids, and what maks a hybrid different than a traditional car.

What Does Hybrid Mean

The real definition of the word Hybrid means a mixed origin or composition, in the case of hybrid cars were are making reference to the composition of the engine.  A hybrid engine has two different components that make similar types of power, typically the different components are gasoline and electric.  The actual technology used withing hybrid motors can vary, but essentially a hybrid engine is a composition of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

Difference Between Hybrid Engine and Normal Engine

Because of the addition of an electric motor, to the internal combustion engine, for a primary power source, the engine is now considered a hybrid.  A traditional car will not have an electrical motor to assist the engine make power or supplement power during low load times.  Because of the assitance of an electrical motor, hybrid cars are more fuel efficient, and produce less emmissions.

Different Types of Hybrid Motors

Not only is a hybrid motor different than a traditional motor, but there are also several different types of hybrid motors.  So many in fact, that I could not cover them all in one article.  For the sake of space, let's look at two different types of hybrid motors in cars.  The two main different hybrid vehicles when buying new cars will be 'Series Hybrids' and 'Plug-In Hybrids'.

A Series Hybrid uses the internal combustion motor to charge a generator, instead of directly powering the wheels.  The generator then produces power for actual power to the wheels for a car to move.

A Plug-In Hybrid uses a type of battery that stores electric power, derived from plugging into special outlet.  The battery then assists the internal combustion engine during low power loads, thus saving gas.  The Plug In Electric Hybrid can also be known as a PHEV and may not be considered as Green as a series hybrid, since the power must still come from traditional resources when charging the battery.

Mercedes BlueHybrid

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This has been a post into a series of articles on explaining entry level questions to automotive enthusiasts.

Other Difference Articles:

Difference In Higher Octane Gas

Difference Between Automatic and Manual Performance

High Octane Gas

Every time you fill up your vehicle you are greeted with several different fuel options, assuming that you have a gasoline engine.  Other than price, you may be interested in knowing what the difference is in higher and lower octane gas.  Rest assured that most modern gasoline engines are capable on running anything from 87-93 octane rated gasoline.  But lets look at the benefits, if any, of buying the higher octane gas.

Low Octane Gas Is Fine In Most Cases

That's right, to the general driving public low octane gasoline will be just fine.  87 octane gasoline will perform just as well as higher octane gasoline, in a common daily driver.  There are a few exceptions that exist, so let's take a look at what make the higher octane gasoline worth the money.

Cure Pinging With Higher Octane

A common noise amongst engines is a 'Pinging' noise coming from the engine.  This is caused by the gasoline entering the engine and not igniting at the correct interval.  Over time this pinging can cause long term damage to your vehicles engine.  In most cases running a higher octane gasoline in the vehicle, even for a short period, can help alleviate some if not all pinging.

High Performance Needs

Another need for burning a higher octane gas is dependent upon the type of vehicle you drive.  Higher compression engines require a higher octane gas to perform properly and in some cases even gain horsepower.  This only applies to a tuned engine, specifically designed for a higher octane.

My 99 Mustang GT engine required 93 octane to operate properly and not ping.  My engine was beyond stock and had enough modifications to justify the bigger expense and translate into marginal power gains.  Basically, you should know if your car requires a higher octane to operate properly, if not, then don't worry about the additional expense.

Conclusion

The difference in higher octane gas and lower octanes is marginal enough that the common driver need not spend the extra dough.  I would recommend always filling up with the cheap stuff, unless you know specifically that your car needs the extra sweet juice from the pump, assume it doesn't.

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This has been a post into a series of articles on explaining entry level questions to automotive enthusiasts.

Other Difference Articles:

Difference Between Automatic and Manual Performance

Difference Between Halogen and HID Lights

The Barret Jackson Auto Auction has been going on hot and heavy for the past few days and there have been a wide range of vehicle types sold.  Despite old muscle cars dropping in price recently, at the Barret jackson Auction new muscle cars were fetching big dollars.  Thanks to Ford and GM opening up their museums and liquidating some of their show cars, the public will have a chance to own these rare vehicles.

Typically at the Barret Jackson auction new muscle cars are the exception, not the rule, but just look at the list of vehicles that were stealing the show.  The first 2008 Challenger SRT8 sold for $400k and a 2009 ZR1 brought a final bid of $1 million.

Barrett Jackson Auto Auction