All You Need to Know When Purchasing a Hybrid Car

Hybrid cars have come a long way since they first hit the roads more than a decade ago. Nowadays, there are many car manufacturers who are offering their own versions of the once elusive hybrid car. This can be both good and bad news for the potential buyer, mainly because, all hybrid cars are not equal in terms of performance and efficiency. Keeping that in mind, this guide should help you make the right choice when getting the right hybrid vehicle.

Types of Hybrid Cars

Before you make a choice in terms of the hybrid car you are going to purchase, you need to first get familiar with the different types of electrification of the hybrid cars. As the name implies, a hybrid car uses more than one source of energy. While having a hybrid car means having a vehicle that has a gasoline internal combustion engine and an electric motor. But, that’s not all.

The following are some of the different types of hybrid cars:

• Series Hybrid — These are the cars that work on a gas-powered engine which drives a generator to charge the batteries of an electric motor.

• Full Hybrid — In this type of hybrid car, the electric motor has enough power to start the car and take it into full speed.

• Mixed Hybrid – This is the most seen type of hybrid cars on the roads today. In the mixed hybrid, the gas engine is able to generate enough electricity to power the car.

• Parallel Hybrid — In this type of hybrid, both the motor and the engine drives the wheels.

• Plug-in Hybrid — This is the next generation of hybrid car technology and runs on a large battery that can be recharged by connecting them to an electrical outlet, which is very different to normal hybrids that do not need to be plugged in.

It is important to conduct your own research on the different types of hybrid cars and their fuel consumption to find out which hybrids are the most fuel efficient.

Overall Cost of the Hybrid Car

The overall cost of the hybrid car is going to depend on many factors depending on the manufacturer and the features that have been included. While the initial cost of a hybrid car is going to be a bit higher as compared to regular cars, because it takes more to make a hybrid vehicle, it is possible for you to get hybrid cars at the best prices. Rather than going to the traditional brick and mortar auto dealer in your area, going online offers many more options and the ability to compare prices from different auto dealers in your area.

While there are many options to choose from nowadays when it comes to hybrid vehicles, such as the Honda CR-Z, Toyota Camry hybrid, Kia Optima hybrid, Chevrolet Volt, Lincoln MKZ hybrid, Ford Fusion hybrid and so on. It is important to note that the cost of hybrid cars varies depending on various factors, such as the engine and electric motor technology, fuel-efficiency, battery technology, and many other factors.

Another rule of thumb when purchasing a hybrid car is to make sure you do not go with a car that’s more than a decade old for obvious reasons. This is mainly because hybrid cars are powered by large electric engines that use large battery packs. The lifespan of these batteries is around 10 years, which means you will solely be responsible for getting a new battery pack for the car since most manufacturer warranties are only given for 8 to 10 years.

Vehicle History and Maintenance Report

When going for a used hybrid car its best to ask for a detailed vehicle history and maintenance report. This is mainly because since a hybrid car has two engines, they are more complex as compared to single-engine vehicles. This also means that hybrid cars require more maintenance and upkeep. The maintenance of hybrid cars involves the use of specific oils and regular servicing of their components and electrical system.

Depending on how long a hybrid vehicle has been sitting on the lot, some performance issues may arise if the car dealer has not carried out the proper maintenance and upkeep. This is the main reason why those who are looking to invest in a used hybrid car need to ask for the full history and maintenance report of the car before making the purchase. The same can be said when purchasing the car from a private seller.

The detailed vehicle maintenance report will provide you with the information you need regarding the car’s maintenance schedule and whether or not it was followed. Also, the report will include information regarding any past repairs that were carried out on the car along with other crucial information that will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of performance. In fact, not being able to provide a vehicle history or maintenance report for the hybrid car should be the first red flag whether dealing with an auto dealer or a private seller.

Get a Second Opinion

Needless to say, a hybrid car is a lot different than a regular gasoline car. The auto dealer or private seller should agree to take the hybrid car to a specialized hybrid service station to get it thoroughly inspected before the purchase. Hybrid cars use a combination of a gas-powered engine and an electric motor and battery. These components are integrated with the help of a computer that controls various aspects of the hybrid vehicle such as the electric motor and the regenerative brakes. Getting the car to a hybrid car service shop will ensure that this critical system is fully functional.

One of the major reasons why many people are looking towards hybrid cars is simply because they are much more efficient than their gasoline-guzzling counterparts. A hybrid car features a gasoline engine and an electric motor along with a battery pack. This means that the hybrid has the ability to switch between power sources without giving up the practicality of having a gas-powered vehicle. Needless to say, a hybrid car is going to cost more as compared to a gasoline-fueled one, but it makes up for the high price in terms of fuel efficiency over the long term.

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6 Car Problems You’ll Probably Have in Your First Year of Driving

Driving a car is a big and often expensive commitment. In addition to paying for the car itself, you need to be financially prepared to pay insurance, tax, regular maintenance, fuel costs, and the cost of any unexpected repairs and expenses. Something could go wrong at any time, whether your car is hit and damaged by another driver, or general wear and tear get the better of the engine or bodywork. The good news is that looking after your car well will minimize your risk of running into major and expensive repair issues. But you’re likely going to experience some of these minor problems as a driver. The good news is that most of them are easier, faster, and cheaper to repair than you may realize.

Here are some common car complaints that don’t take much to fix

Flat Tire:

Whether you’ve driven over a nail and burst your tire, hit an uneven part of the road or your tire has burst for any other reason, you’ll need to get it repaired straight away. Continuing to drive on a flat tire can cause further damage to the wheel, so if you notice that your tire is flat when you’re on the road, you should pull over straight away. If possible, change the tire to your spare wheel for the time being – your recovery service will also be able to do this for you if needed. In some cases, a puncture to your tire can be repaired, but most of the time you will need a replacement. Part-worn tires are a great idea – most are as good as new, but much cheaper to buy than a brand new tire.

Cracked Windshield or Window:

A crack in the windshield of your car may not seem like a huge deal at the time but it’s important to get it repaired straight away before it gets any worse. A crack in your windshield isn’t going to go away, and if you’re involved in a collision, it weakens the layer of protective vinyl resin in your windshield, therefore, causing the glass to shatter and fly around, putting you and other road users in even more danger. The good news is that windshield glass repair is neither a lengthy nor an expensive job. Some auto repair shops will even visit you at home to repair the glass.

Flat Battery:

If you’re trying to start your car and it’s not responding at all, then your car’s battery has probably died. This usually happens if you have accidentally left a light on in your car or something plugged into the main electric system that is draining the battery without the engine being on. However, it can also happen if your car has not been driven for a long period of time, or it could be a sign of battery problems. Unless your car needs a brand new battery, it is, for the most part, a quick and easy problem to rectify. Usually, this can be done by jump-starting your car’s engine using jump leads and another car. Once you’ve managed to get your car started again, it’s a good idea to drive your car for at least ten miles to charge the battery and avoid it happening again.

Scratches and Dents:

There’s nothing worse than coming back to your car to find that it has been scratched by another driver, or even worse – somebody has put a dent in your car. The good news is that minor bodywork issues such as scratches and small dents don’t usually affect the safety or usability of the car, although they can be unsightly, so you’ll likely want them fixed as quickly as possible. The good news is that if it’s just a small scratch or tiny dent, you may even be able to do it yourself. T-cut can be very useful for getting small scrapes and scratches off your car, whilst pouring hot water on a dent could cause it to pop back out into shape. However, bear in mind that doing it yourself could risk damaging your car further, so if in doubt, call a professional for car scratch repair. If the scratches are deep and have taken the paintwork straight off your car, then you’ll definitely need to take it to the auto repair shop. The cost will depend on the type of damage and whether any new parts are needed.

Broken Lights:

Driving in the dark with one or more of the lights on your car not working correctly, or at all, is illegal and also a very dangerous situation to be in. The good news is that if one of your lights isn’t turning on and illuminating when you switch the lights to ‘on’, it’s usually a quick job to fix it. Most of the time, all you will need is a new bulb for the offending light, and if you’re pretty handy when it comes to wires and electricals, changing the bulb is a job that you could do yourself. If you’re unsure, most car repair shops will fit a new bulb for you in no time, for a small fee. Check your manufacturer’s handbook if you are not sure of the exact type of bulb that each light on your car needs.

Worn Wipers:

If your windshield wipers are dragging and screeching on the glass, this is a sure sign that you need new ones. The good news is that they are cheap to obtain and very easy to change by yourself; all you need to do is remove the existing wiper blades and replace them with the new ones. Don’t attempt to drive if your wipers aren’t cleaning your windshield properly – even if it’s not raining, you may need them to clean dirt from the screen and being unable to do so could seriously impact your view of the road. 

Owning a car isn’t cheap, but not every car problem is going to be costly or time-consuming to fix.

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How To Succeed In The Car Business

There are several different careers and routes you can take if you want to enter the car business. However, to be successful, it’ll take you focusing in on and executing in a few areas, in particular, no matter which direction you head.

The car business is a competitive and tough business to be in, but one that can also be very rewarding, especially if working with cars is a passion of yours. What’s most important is that you’re committed to working hard and satisfying your customers every day. Remember to continue to develop your skills as time goes on and to enjoy yourself while you’re at it.

Perfect Your Skill

You can succeed in the car business by being educated about all the various vehicles and how they work. It’s important to know your stuff so that you can gain more clients and people trust you and want to work with you. For example, a customer is more likely to hire a mechanic or buy a car from someone who they believe is talented, knowledgeable and reliable. Take time to study your trade, continuously improve your skills and become an expert in your field. The fewer mistakes you make and the better job you do in your position, the more clients you’re going to be able to win over and keep.

Protect Yourself

It’s possible you not only want to work with cars but also want to start your own business. Know that to succeed means you’re going to have to understand the laws and regulations and how to protect yourself. For instance, it’s in your best interest to learn more about the cost of purchasing insurance if you’re going to be in charge of and in possession of other people’s vehicles and have your own company. You don’t want to be held liable if there are damages that take place or an accident occurs on your watch.

Understand how to Work Well with People

Being in the car business is not only about knowing the ins and outs about different vehicles but also understanding how to work well with others. You’re not only in the car business when you enter the industry, you are also in the customer service business. This is especially true if you’re a car salesman, own a repair shop or are helping transport vehicles from one destination to the next. You’ll be able to better succeed when you treat your clients well and are appreciative of them giving you their business.

Many times in the car business you receive clients via word of mouth or online recommendations, so it’s in your best interest to perform your job well and be able to build relationships.

Network & Collect Positive Reviews

Not only do you need to know how to work well with others, but you also need to be able to build a strong client base of loyal customers if you want to be successful. You can do this by being proactive about networking in your community and collecting positive reviews from satisfied customers. The more people are talking about you and the good experience they had working with you the more business you’re going to be able to drive to your company and longer you’ll be around.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s essential to maintain good health, especially physical health when you’re working in the car business. You’re likely going to be moving around a lot and on your feet throughout the day depending on your specific role in the car business. You may even need to get under cars on a daily basis, and if you’re not healthy, this will be difficult. Make sure you commit to eating a healthy diet, exercising often and getting enough sleep each night. You’ll be in a better mood at work and less likely to let the small mishaps get to you when you care for your wellbeing in your downtime.

Have A Positive Attitude

You may hear the word “no” a lot when you’re working in the car business, especially if you’re a salesperson. To ensure you do well with your business endeavor you need to maintain a positive attitude. You’re going to have to be your own cheerleader when you’re experiencing lulls at work or with your company and also have the ability to pick yourself back up when you’re struggling. You need to be mentally strong and not let a few negative experiences deter you away from continuing to follow your passion and dream of working in the car business. There may be people who’ll doubt you and your abilities, and you have to be strong enough not to let these naysayers get the best of you.

Embrace the Internet & Social Media

It’s vital that you realize how beneficial social media can be to helping you grow your business or attract clients if you’re in sales. Promote yourself, your cars or your shop or dealership using a website and launching your social media pages. You can also use your personal and business accounts to advertise upcoming promotions or sales for specific vehicles you’re looking to sell. You can also use social media to create and share videos related to your job or business. Although you may be working at a shop or brick and mortar store, it’s still important to get online and use this outlet as a way to help you succeed in the car business.

Conclusion

These are a few suggestions for how you can better succeed in the car business and have a more rewarding and fulfilling career in this industry. Give these ideas a try and see what works best for you and continue to do more of that going forward. Remember that this is a journey and all the pieces may not fall into place for you right away. However, keep working hard and executing in these crucial areas, and you’re likely to find a lot of continued success throughout the years.

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5 Reasons the Standard Sedan Car is Doomed in America

The United States of America is seen as the birthplace of the car. Though this would be hotly contested by Germany or England, the truth is that when we think of a car, we think ‘born in the USA’. The mass-produced motorized vehicle that is available to anyone, and cheaper to run than a horse, is an American invention. It seems to fit that this is where the standard car is meeting its end.

How Can the Sedan Be Doomed?

Sales of regular sedans have plummeted in America, and the station wagon is now an ancient memory. The only sector of the market that has seen an increase in the sales of the regular vehicle is the electric vehicle sector, and the electric manufacturers are also turning away from the design to follow the trend towards either larger or smaller vehicles.

What Has Killed the Car?

In true American style, the regular sedan has been wrestled to submission by a tag-team of bigger opponents. The Sports Utility Vehicle, or SUV, and the Crossover vehicles have pincered the family sedan and swallowed a lion’s share of the market. Even business vehicles are turning to alternatives; the number one commercial vehicle in America today is the pick-up truck. Most car makers now only offer maybe one or two sedan models.

Why are People Turning Away from the Sedan Car?

The biggest factors of car choice are practicality and affordability, and these two are linked. Many customers will pay more if they get more, and this has been where the larger SUVs and Crossovers have excelled. With acres more space and almost limitless features, sedans have seemed like poor value in comparison.

When Will We See the Last of the Sedans?

The sedan will always be around, but they will be a rarer sight that is satisfying a niche market. The sedan will compete with muscle cars in the future, so don’t be surprised to see souped-up sedans tearing down a quarter mile instead of popping to the store and picking up the kids from school. Looking at dealerships across America, like this shop here, you can see just how few new sedan models there are available. Instead they offer a huge range of trucks and SUVs.

What About the Rest of the World?

The popularity of the sedan, or saloon car in Europe, has been diminishing for some time, but the trend there is towards smaller and more economical cars. Though still popular with business drivers and taxi drivers, the sedan is still gradually being pushed into a niche in the European car market.

The standard car with four doors and a trunk and its station wagon brother, whether with or without wood paneling, are being left to history by modern demands. So, is the sedan car doomed? Well the car as we know it is evolving into something new. Crossovers and SUVs are dominating the market, and the sedan is slowly disappearing to become a car for enthusiasts or as an electric vehicle.

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2018 Hyundai Creta launch date, key features, mileage and price in India

In the small SUV segment, the Hyundai Creta has been performing exceedingly well ever since it went on sale in the domestic market. The reason behind its success are not just the powerful engines, advanced features and appealing look, but also the much convenient after-sales services provided by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) throughout the country.

Hyundai is now working on its facelift to keep the things fresh and stand strong amidst the competition. The new Hyundai Creta 2018 has already been spotted earlier on the Indian streets and is all prepared to debut at the Auto Expo 2018, which is scheduled to happen in February. As per the sources, Creta facelift is expected to launch in the second quarter of the year in India, while it is already available in the Brazilian market.

Here are the details of the new 2018 Hyundai Creta

2018 Hyundai Creta: Key features

Engine, Transmission and Mileage

The new and refreshed Hyundai Creta will come with the same engine specifications that are found in the ongoing model. The petrol variant will be powered by a 1.6-litre dual VTVT four-cylinder, which is capable of producing a maximum power of 121 bhp and churns out a peak torque of 151 Nm. This particular variant will come paired with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission system.

The current Creta offers two diesel variants - 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre CRDi turbocharged engines. The new Creta will offer the same engine specs on the two diesel variants. The variant with the smaller engine pushes out a power of 126 bhp and 220 Nm of torque, while the bigger engine develops 126 bhp and 259 Nm of power and torque respectively. The 1.4-litre diesel engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the other one comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and a 6-speed automatic transmission as optional.

Coming to the mileage section, the figure seems to be the same as the ongoing variants. While the mileage for the petrol variant is around 15.29 km in a litre, the two diesel variants are capable of going a long way in just a litre. The mileage for 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre diesel engine read as 21.38 kmpl and 19.67 kmpl respectively.

Design and Features

The 2018 Hyundai Creta will come with a lot of changes as compared to the outgoing version. There will be a newly-designed bumper, new horizontal front fog lamps, and a restyled cascading front grille at the front. The rear profile is expected to be enhanced by a set of new tail lamps and a revised bumper. The car is also expected to come with a set of new alloy wheels that will give a nice attracting look.

As you will get inside the new Creta, you will be offered with a revised dashboard with an all-new infotainment system enhanced by a touch screen interface. The upholstery is expected to get better in the new version of the car. Also, advanced features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are expected to get featured.

Braking and safety

The 2018 Hyundai Creta will come with all the necessary braking and advanced safety features that will ensure that all the occupants sitting inside the car are safe and secured while on a ride. Dual front and side airbags, Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESP), traction control, and brake and hill assist will be offered on this small SUV car.

Our Take on Hyundai Creta 2018

Hyundai has introduced Creta roughly three years ago, and since then the car has garnered a lot of traction. With the new 2018 Creta, the company seems to be confident enough with the kind of features they have enrolled in it. Now, it is the price range that will decide the fate of the car.

However, the small SUV is expected to be priced at Rs 9 lakh and would go up to Rs 15 lakh for the top-end variant. In this price range, the 2018 Creta will compete with the likes of Tata Hexa, Jeep Compass, Renault Duster, Mahindra XUV500, etc. You can read about its competitors in detail at Autoportal.com for a better understanding.

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