Are Hybrids Really Green?

Of course they are you will say. They use less gas, and that's a sure sign of being green.

That's also what I thought until I read an article in the Washington Post. You can see it here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/20/AR2009062001523.html

What's the problem you ask. Glad you did. It appears that the battery is the culprit.
Its a nickel metal hydride battery. Here are some of the steps that comprise the life cycle of this battery.

"The nickel is mined in Sudbury, Ontario, and smelted nearby, doing damage to the local environment. The smelted nickel is shipped to Wales, where it is refined. Then it is sent to China to be made into nickel foam. Then it goes to Japan, where it is made into a battery. Then it goes into cars, some of which are shipped to the United States and some of which go to Europe. All of that seaborne transport consumes a lot of fossil fuel."

Well it that's not quite enough to take away the Green designation, how about this:

"CNW Marketing rates cars on the combined energy needed "to plan, build, sell, drive and dispose of a vehicle from initial concept to scrappage." A Prius costs $2.87 per lifetime mile. By comparison, an H3 Hummer costs $2.07 per lifetime mile. Then there will be the problem of disposing of the used batteries."

Looks like I had better cancel my order. What are you going to do with yours?

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Honda Accord Appearance Parts

Honda Accord Performance Parts


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Honda Accord EX vs. Ford Fusion SEL

The July 2009 Motor Trend magazine reported on a comparison test they conducted between these two cars.

The first interesting thing was that the original test was supposed to compare the Ford Fusion SEL against the 2010 Toyota Camry, but Toyota backed out. That is a story by itself and strongly suggests how far along the Ford has come in the last few years.

The new ford has improved to the extent that the final results were almost a tie. It has extensive noise reduction parts and turned out to be a little quieter than the Accord.

Interior comfort went the Accord, for its wider driver seat and better angled rear seats. The 12 speaker Ford beat out the 6 speaker Accord for audio. Engine wise the Ford produced 175hp and the Accord 195hp. Weight wise the Accord was just a bit lighter but in length, height and width, the Accord was slightly larger.

Overall the magazine felt the Ford's styling was cleaner, bolder and more attractive than the Accord's.

But bottom line, with everything being considered, the Honda Accord edged out the Ford Fusion. It came down to "value". A combination of initial costs, estimated repair costs and estimated depreciation, and the Honda was slightly ahead and won the comparison.

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Honda Accord Performance Parts

Honda Accord Appearance Parts

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Color Glow Gauges | MimoUSA | AC Auto Technic

Can you see your car gauges in your car at night? In my car, I can't. They look ok, but nothing special in the daytime. However, at night they are almost useless. The needles are almost invisible. I have taken them all out and replaced the small bulbs with the largest amp ones I could find. Even had the dimmer switch cut out of the circuit to get the most power to the bulbs. Still almost useless.

This experience is why, I was interested in adding Color Glow Gauges to my Honda Accord web sites. I started with MimoUSA and AC Auto Technic gauges. These will allow you to see what is happening at night, plus you get some great colors. So now Honda owners can choose from a bright white display during the daytime and a blue, green or combination at night.

If they would fit my car, I would be out in my garage right now installing them.

Take a look:

Honda Accord Color Glow Gauges


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MimoUSA Dash Trim Kits

I have been using Google Analytics on my web sites to see which keywords or phrases that someone is using when they arrive on the sites. Turns out there is a wide variety of them. However, when sharing the analytic information with other people it, seems that Dash Trim Kits is one of the common expressions.

For those of you that are not familiar with this expression, a brief explanation is offered. When you look at the dash of your car, especially around the instruments? In many cars you will see painted metal. In some cars you might have a colored vinyl material covering these areas.

Now think of what you will see if you are in a Rolls Royce, a Jaguar or other high line car. Chances are it will be wood trim in these areas. If you are in a high end sports car like a Ferrari it may be carbon fiber material. In these cases the material separates the average stock looking dash and turns it into something that catches your eye and says unique or different, or luxury.

If you want some of this appeal and not interested in spending a hundred thousand dollars plus, you can turn to getting a dash trim kit. This is a series of thin pieces of real or patterned material which is attached to your dash, and give the same look to your car.

I have selected the dash trim kits from MimoUSA as my initial offering because of their variety and quality. If you are interested in learning more, check out the links below.

MimoUSA Dash Trim Kits


Aftermarket Dash Trim Kits

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APEXi Cat-Back Exhaust Systems

Today I added a new line of exhaust systems to my web site. It is a brand called APEXi.
Most of the exhaust systems advertise how loud they are and all of the fantastic power that they increase. The claims always seem a little exaggerated,

When I went to the APEXi (actually A'PExi) web site I found a company that I believe tells a more honest and realistic story. First their cat-back system is 50 states legal. No hassle as it is a direct factory replacement. It does not mess with the O2 sensor or the catalysis converter. Installation is straight forward at about 45 minutes.

One nice feature is that the sound level is 85db, and it is mellow. So you will not be pulled over by the local police department and charged with too loud mufflers.

This one is designed for the daily driver. It is made out of stainless, so it looks good and lasts a long time, backed by a company with a great reputation, and has been designed for a direct replacement fit.

When you are in need of a new system, I strongly recommend you check this one out.

APEXi Cat-Back Exhaust for Honda Accord

http://www.accordtopia.com

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