shineyourcar.com Blog

CAR CARE THAT IS ESSENTIAL

2006-11-29T15:28-05:00

Date: November 29, 2006

If you are like most of us, you forget to maintain your most prized possession, your auto. We have a tendancy to keep driving and not check important things such as the engine oil level. If you do this on a regular basis, you can keep your car running well and looking great.

Face it, as humans can not survive without blood and the engine oil is your car's blood. Oil prevents serious damage to the engine and total destruction of your engine. You can check your oil level by making sure that the engine is turned off. Find the engine oil dipstick and remove it. With a paper towel or rag, wipe off the end of the stick and look at the markings on it. You will see markings on it that say FUll and Add. Push the stick back into the tube until it is flush with the top, then immediately pull it out to see what your oil level is. Do not add oil unless the level is below the Add mark. Never add oil if the oil level is at Full.

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The New Car Negotiation Isn't Over Yet - Watch Out!

2006-08-06T21:21-04:00

by Gregg Hall

So, you just negotiated a good deal on a new car, you did all your research and you knew what the dealer cost was and even got the rebate allowing you to buy the car well back of invoice. You beat that salesman up pretty good and you are feeling pretty good while waiting to go into the finance office to sign your papers. This is where many people let their guard down and where many people get taken. Hey, the industry insiders don't call it the "hot box" for nothing!

That's right, having been in the industry for many years I can tell you that is the truth and there is a lot of money made in that office. For many dealerships half of their revenue is made on the "backend" of the deal by charging higher rates than the rate they can get and selling you products you don't need like extra insurance, warranties, and rust protection.

According to a recent study there is a one out of four chance that finance manager will take you for a ride and you will end up paying way more than you should for that new car especially if you are a woman or a minority. You could end up with payments $30 to $50 higher than they should be and give the dealership thousands in additional profit.

Watch out for the manager trying to point out inconsequential discrepancies in your credit report to try to justify the higher interest rate. You should know what you are qualified for before going in there; make that part of your research.

The mechanics of how financing work at a dealership goes as follows: The dealer submits your information along with the buyers order to lenders who then give the dealer what is called a "buy rate" which is the rate the dealer has to pay. Anything they make above this is profit for the dealer.

There are many states that have set limits on how high an interest rate can be charged for a loan but there is no disclosure to show what the bank's original offer was. If some new laws making disclosure mandatory it would put an end to this mark up.

The best way to avoid this is to be prepared by shopping with your bank or credit union for financing and get pre-approved by them. This doesn't obligate you but it does equip you to deal better with the finance people at the dealership. If you know exactly what the best rate is that you can get as well as what your payments should be then you just see if they can do better, sometimes they can. Banks sometimes give dealers lower rates because of the large volume of business they do.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get quality car care products for your new car at http://www.shineyourcar.com

Hybrid Sports Cars Coming Soon

2006-08-05T14:36-04:00

by Gregg Hall

When one thinks of hybrid automobiles, the image of subcompact economy cars-high on gas mileage and low on top-end performance-undoubtedly comes to mind. However, with gas prices consistently increasing over time, occasionally in sudden spikes, and environmental awareness growing in all quarters, there is a movement afoot to bring hybrid technology into the realm of high-performance sports cars.

Japanese automakers, in particular, seem to be expending a great deal of effort in fusing hybrid technology with sports car appearance and performance. The Subaru Scrambler, the Mazda Ibuki and Mitsubishi's hybrid in its Eclipse line are all progressing in development.

Most of the hybrid research and development currently focuses on adopting the most common hybrid production methods. Lithium batteries and electric motors join forces with top-notch engineering. Preliminary reports indicate that at least one 470 horsepower sports car is under design by a leading Japanese manufacturer.

In addition to hybrid sports car working from the same general principles of their better-known economy car brethren, hydrogen-burning sports cars are also under investigation. Many years ago, Mazda discovered their rotary engine performed exceptionally well while using lean-burning hydrogen as a fuel source. Since that time, Mazda has continued to tinker with this revolutionary methodology in hopes of eventually producing an environmentally friendly sports car that maintains high performance standards.

The most visible hybrid sports car, however, is the Toyota Priapus. A conventional gas/electric hybrid, the Priapus lists at over $70,000. It will be hard for owners of this hybrid sports car to recoup the additional cost in fuel savings, but the automobile is increasing in popularity. Experts predict the limited-production hybrid sports car will perform well in auctions, with car enthusiasts likely to be willing to spend into six figures to procure the low-to-the ground, futuristic Toyota offering-and with good reason. The Priapus boasts zero to sixty mile per hour acceleration in just under four seconds while maintaining an impressive 30 miles per gallon in terms of fuel efficiency.

The Japanese are not the only automakers to spend time and resources plumbing the realm of hybrid sports cars. Two former Jaguar designers are making headlines in England with the development of a V10 hybrid that has recently been awarded significant capital in the form of government grants to bring the concept car into the general marketplace.

With many nations' fuel efficiency standards demanding better fuel economy in the future, gas prices spiking again and again, and a general consensus developing that hybrid technology can reduce pollution and perhaps stem global warming trends, there is no doubt that hybrid automobile research and production will continue to accelerate.

Those who were worried the automotive icon that is the sports car would vanish somewhere along the way as the green movement gathered force can take heart in recent developments. All indicators point toward a greener, more fuel-efficient future featuring jaw-dropping high-performance cars sure to please even the most discriminating sports automotive enthusiasts. As long as there are cars, it seems there will be those who demand impressively speedy, sporty automobiles and manufacturers are not willing to let go of that purchasing base as they explore hybrid alternatives to traditional internal combustion autos.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Be sure to take car of your car's finish with the patented car care products from http://www.shineyourcar.com

How the Corvette Changed the Sports Car Industry Forever

2006-08-05T14:33-04:00

by Gregg Hall

Harley Earl was an automobile design expert at Chevrolet who noticed the influx of small European sports cars into the United States after World War II. He knew there was a market for a two-seat roadster and convinced Chevrolet to introduce their own version: The Chevrolet Corvette.

In 1953, the first Corvette's were unveiled. The cars were unique in their construction. Instead of the steel bodies common for the time, the Corvette was actually built from a much lighter material-fiberglass. This innovation, combined with its Earl-designed appearance, however, was still not enough to make the car an overnight success.

At the time, Chevrolet was known for producing inexpensive, but unexciting vehicles. The Corvette, despite its sex styling and innovative construction was "just another Chevy" at heart, and lacked the performance sports car enthusiasts craved. The original Corvettes featured a less-that-impressive V6, a two-speed automatic transmission, and a brake system taken directly from the regular Chevy line. In essence, the original Corvette was a sports car in appearance alone. Sales lagged and there was even talk of discontinuing Earl's pet project after a few years.

Sales were simply too low. Although the fiberglass design wowed potential buyers and critics within the sports car industry and the appearance of the Corvette was beyond reproach, the car simply lacked the kind of performance those searching for a true sports car expected to find.

Then came Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Russian emigre and engineer who found a home at Chevrolet, and a project in the Corvette. In 1955, Chevrolet introduced its first V8 engine. Arkus-Duntov redesigned the V8 especially for the Corvette and placed the bigger, more powerful motor into the small-bodied car. He also replaced the old two-speed "powerglide" automatic with a 3-speed manual transmission. Suddenly the Corvette was no longer just a pretty face. The Corvette became a legitimate competitor for the other major U.S. sports car, Ford's Thunderbird, and its popularity soared dramatically. Arkus-Duntov is often considered the father of the Corvette due to his line-saving alterations.

Over fifty years later, Corvette remains a leading name is sports cars and is currently offering its sixth generation of products, including a rumored high performance model known as the Blue Demon.

The Corvette is now known as the "poor man's super car" and is noted for its relative affordability and impressive reliability records.

But before there was a Blue Demon, a Z06, or any of the Corvette C classes that sports car enthusiasts love today, there was Harley Earl and a cute design with a V6 they called the Corvette. Chevrolet embraced the idea of a truly American sports car, and with the help of a Russian emigre, built one of the most popular and lasting sports car labels in the world.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Use the best car care products available for your car at http://www.shineyourcar.com

Unforgettable Television Sports Cars from the 1970s

2006-08-05T14:29-04:00

by Gregg Hall

Throughout the 1970s, television programs (particularly hour long action/dramas) often featured heroes with enviable sports cars. Though not every car was particularly memorable or essential to the show's personality, some television sports cars did manage to leave a lasting impression. Here are five truly unforgettable television sports cars from the 1970s:

Dan Tanna's 1957 Thunderbird from Vega$

In the pilot for this popular seventies cop show, the show's protagonist, Dan Tanna drove a bright yellow Corvette. Somewhere along the way the car was destroyed in the desert and Robert Urich's character ended up with a bright red 1957 Thunderbird convertible. The T-Bird was, in essence, the co-star of Vega$. Urich commented that the sports car received more fan mail than he did. The show aired 67 episodes and through the entire production, only two of the 1957 Thunderbirds were used. The cars later appeared, painted an aquamarine hue, in the Richard Gere movie, Breathless. One cannot think of Vega$ without thinking of Tanna in his T-Bird cruising down the strip.

Jim Rockford's Firebird Esprit from The Rockford Files

James Garner gave chase to villains in a series of gold Firebird Esprit's during the course of The Rockford Files seven-year run. In addition to being Rockford's most recognizable accessory, the Firebird was also a moving printing press. Always the clever detective, Rockford kept a small printing machine in the back to produce custom business cards to help him in his adventures. Over the course of the series, multiple model years of the gold Firebird Esprit were used. Despite the money problems that always seemed to evidence themselves on Rockford's answering machine, he was able to buy new Firebirds regularly.

Joe Mannix' custom Oldsmobile Toronado from Mannix

Though Joe Mannix began his crime-fighting career in the 1960s, the hour-long drama bearing his name survived into the 1970s. His customized 425 1966 front-wheel drive convertible Oldsmobile Toronado featured a slew of high-tech advances including a short-waver radio receiver and a hidden compartment that often housed his sidearm. The Mannix roadster wasn't the only car used by Mike Connors during the show-in the later seasons he got behind the wheel of an assortment of vehicles-but it was certainly the most memorable ride from the series.

Columbo's Rusty Peugeot from Columbo

One could argue whether rumpled detective Frank Columbo's rusty old 1959 Peugeot 403 Grande Luxe Cabriolet really qualifies as a sports car. Even if it does in principle, it didn't in terms of apparent performance. The chewed up old rust-bucket was a perfect companion to the equally disheveled detective played by Peter Falk in the popular 1970s detective series. Interestingly the Peugeot was later sold to a couple in Ohio who were located by network execs when the series was revised in the form of a few television movies in the late 1980s.

Starsky's and Hutch's Gran Torino from Starsky and Hutch

The Ford Gran Torino from Starsky and Hutch was such a big star that its red and white paint scheme and styling actually became part of the Ford product line. Even today, S&H Torino owners gather to display their souped up Gran Torinos and to revel in memories of a popular 1970s cop show. In terms of sheer recognizability, the S&H Gran Torino is in a class of its own.

You might remember Ironsides' ride or what Kojak tooled around in. Perhaps you can recall Quincy's car, too. But when most people are asked to discuss cars popularized in 1970s television, odds are they will mention at least a few of the top five listed above. These cars became stars in their own right, often nearly overshadowing their human co-stars.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Take care of your unforgettable car with the car care products from http://www.shineyourcar.com

Five Unforgettable Sports Cars From Movies

2006-08-05T14:25-04:00

by Gregg Hall

Actors always get their names in the credits, but cars rarely do. Nonetheless, there have been many films that featured scene-stealing sports cars that probably deserved to have their make and model mentioned as the movie ended. Though there are undoubtedly countless examples of great movie sports cars, at least five truly stand out.

Alfa Romeo from The Graduate

Dustin Hoffman may have been told that the future was in plastics, but he relied on the metal of an Alfa Romeo graduation gift to get him to the church just in time to stop that wedding. The cherry red Alfa Romeo with the personalized plates played a key role in the classic film. It was featured in multiple scenes and was used in the most critical moments of the movie. Everyone remembers the shot of the befuddled kid taken from under the leg of Mrs. Robinson. But everyone remembers that little car, too.

XB Falcon from Mad Max

If you are going to have to patrol a post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland in a car, you might as well do it in style. Mel Gibson, as Mad Max, did just that in the popular movie trilogy's first installment. Zipping across what was left of civilization in a 1974 XB Falcon V8 interceptor, Mad Max was a formidable foe to those villains who survived the nuclear war. Although it was as road-weary and beat up as one would expect in such a dire situation, the XB Falcon still cut a stunning silhouette as it crossed what was left of the land down under.

Aston Martin from Goldfinger and Thunderball

If asked to name a British sports car producer, most Americans will say "Aston Martin." That's directly attributable to James Bond. Sure, having Sean Connery as James Bond behind the wheel is likely to make any sports car look cool, but the Aston Martin DB5 used in the films would have looked great even without Q's notable upgrades. The Aston Martin was as much a character as Bond or either of his nemeses in the two films and remains a popular icon today. In fact, its popularity remained so high that the original used in the films, described by one of its owners as "the most popular car in the world" was actually stolen by a would be agent from a Boca Raton, Florida, airport in 1997.

Delorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future

Even without its time-traveling capabilities and mad scientist owner, the stainless steel DMC-12 was hard to forget. The gull-winged innovator never sold as well as its creator, John Delorean, had hoped, but it certainly became an American icon after its appearance in the Back to the Future films. The successful movie franchise and the DMC-12 have become inseparable in the public's mind. One cannot talk of the movies without making mention to the car Christopher Lloyd built to go back in time.

Mustang from Bullitt

Steve McQueen is still regarded in some circles as the king of cool, and Bullitt is still remembered for its incomparable chase scenes through the hilly roads of San Francisco. McQueen took the famous romp in a 1968 Mustang GT390. That Mustang is still regarded as one of the best built in the franchise's history and will long be remembered for its breath-taking maneuvers in one of America's most interesting-to-drive cities. The car's popularity actually led Ford to name a Mustang produced over thirty years after McQueen's wild ride the "Bullit."

It's not uncommon to find movies featuring cars. The chase scene is an almost ubiquitous feature in modern film, after all. Occasionally, however, cars become a part of the movie. When a key role is given to a vehicle and the movie is a gem, the sports car can become unforgettable. Whether rescuing women from unwanted weddings or giving chase over Frisco hills, some sports cars have had movie roles worthy of Oscars.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Make your car unforgettable with car care products from http://www.shineyourcar.com

Ask the Experts About Car Care Issues

2006-08-05T14:17-04:00

by Gregg Hall

Owning and maintaining a sports car can be a rewarding experience. It can also be a trying and frustrating process, as a sports car owner may confront any number of difficult issues.

There may be questions about insurance coverage, automobile protection, driving techniques, repair processes, maintenance requirements and a host of other issues. With so many concerns, some sports car owners may feel overwhelmed by it all.

Fortunately, sports car owners need not tackle these issues alone. The sports car community is welcoming, and there are a variety of available resources that can take some of the pressure out of owning and maintaining a high-performance vehicle.

Sports car clubs and organizations are an excellent resource for the new sports car owner. Populated by experts and enthusiasts, these clubs are veritable clearinghouses of information about automobiles. Members are enthusiastic fans of the cars they own and are generally more than happy to share any ideas, hints or information they may have for another like-minded owner.

Mechanics in your own community are another tremendous resource. Drivers have a tendency to view mechanics the same way a candy-eater views the dentist: they are seen as an undesirable last resort. It need not be this way. Mechanics possess tremendous amounts of expertise and experience that can help a new sports car owner. Mechanics tend to be car fanatics-after all, they have chosen to spend their professional life repairing vehicles-and are apt to be willing to converse on any number of issues facing a sports car owner.

Dealerships are also a potential source of top-notch information and ideas. Automobile dealerships are fond of developing a repeat customer base and will often provide whatever assistance they can to a former customer in hopes of securing their future business. Salespeople and on-site service staff may be very well versed in the details of your particular car and may be able to provide information you might not find anywhere else.

If one feels more comfortable with a less personal exchange, the internet is rife with sports car enthusiasts and owners who may be willing to impart wisdom to a new sports car owner. Forums and message boards focusing on virtually every kind of sports car dot the internet and these sites can be an excellent source of information and camaraderie. Registration at most forums is free and immediately opens one to the perspectives and opinions of other drivers from all over the globe.

Plunging into the world of sports cars can be quite intimidating. There will probably be more questions than answers for new sports car owners, as new problems and challenges are frequently confronted. Fortunately, there are sources that can begin to answer some of those questions and that can supply sports car owners with the tools to learn other answers all on their own.

One need not fear the unknown when it comes to sports car ownership. There are plenty of others out there who have been through the process themselves once before or who are currently wrestling with the same questions. Simply extending oneself to other motor sports enthusiasts can be a great way to demystify the experience of owning a sports car.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Take care of your car's finish by getting patented car care products from the car care experts at http://www.shineyourcar.com

Should I Use Wax On My Car

2006-03-29T16:57-05:00

by Gregg Hall

This is a question coming up more and more especially since January of 2005 when the United States and other governments announced a mandatory reduction in the use of volatile organic compounds or VOCs in manufacturing processes and consumable products. As of this writing in January of 2006, car care products may not consist of more than 15% VOC. This is major bad news for companies specializing in Carnauba wax which must use large amounts of solvents to make the naturally rock hard Carnauba soft and pliable so that it can be used.

Many companies had to drop entire lines of car wax products; some had to re-engineer their products. There are some others who are ignoring the regulations until sanctions are imposed against them. There is a revolution taking place in the car wax industry and it's about time!

Most of us grew up using Turtle Wax or some form of Carnauba Wax on our cars and I am no different. But, once I found out about the superiority of polymer based products like the PTFE based product from CarCareWizards.com I quickly became a big fan. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy cleaning and shining my car but when I can use a product that will last for 150 washes instead of 15 or 20, I have to go with the 150! More on this in a minute, first let's just cover some basics on how to apply car waxes and paint sealants.

These tips should be followed regardless of whether you are using car wax or a paint sealant:

First off, always work in a shaded area where the vehicle surface is not exposed to direct sunlight. Use a foam applicator pad for applying the wax or sealant and use a new one if it becomes caked in wax.

Work on a small area at a time, we recommend an area of around 2 to 4 foot square at a time, this will allow you to concentrate on small area and will give you better results. Follow the individual manufacturer instructions as to whether you should allow the product to haze before you begin buffing.

If the residue does not easily buff to a shine, use a new clean towel. Always apply the product in a back and forth movement, circles will create swirls.

When you are done, the car's finish should be smooth and have no swirls, streaks, or smudges.

About the Author

Gregg Hall has over 20 years experience in the automotive industry including managing and owning several dealerships. He recommends these car wax alternatives

Why To Buy A Used Car Instead Of New

2006-03-20T10:15-05:00

Even though new car sales are down, figures from the automotive industry tell us that used cars sales are up dramatically with three times as many people buying used over new.

There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is the rising cost of new cars which have become too expensive for many people.

If you can cool off the desire to have a brand new car and wait a couple of years you can save a ton of money. The biggest depreciation in vehicles is during the first two years. You can drive a two year old BMW for the price of a new Toyota. All you have to do is be a little more vigilant and make sure that the pre-owned vehicle has all the safety features that you need and want. Most vehicles over the last few years have been pretty aggressive in adding safety features.

You definitely want to have the basics like dual airbags and anti-lock brakes not only because of safety but also due to the fact that it will save you on your car insurance. Some vehicles even have side and rear airbags.

You can find a good quality two year old used vehicle with less than 35,000 miles that will look like a brand new one and have way more features than you could afford in a brand new car. Remember my BMW vs. Toyota example?

When buying a used car pay close attention to the wear and tear of the interior. I have found from experience that people who take good care of the interior of their car as well as keeping the exterior protected also take good care of the vehicle mechanically. If you run across a vehicle with torn seats, stained carpets and the like, I suggest you pass on it.

Always take a good look at the tire tread wear. You are not only looking for worn tires but also uneven tread wear which can indicate an alignment problem. When you road test the vehicle take your hands off the wheel for a second and see if the vehicle drifts. Pop the trunk and make sure that there is a spare and that it is in good condition as well.

Watch out for serious damage and paint work. It is easy to spot with a close eye. If body panels don’t line up properly there is a good chance it has had parts replaced. In addition to having a mechanic look the vehicle over mechanically and checking the fluids, lights, belts, charging system, and AC you can also have them put it on a lift and check the underneath of the vehicle for any frame damage repair.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get patented car care products from http://www.shineyourcar.com

The New Car Negotiation Isnt Over Yet Watch Out!

2006-03-17T10:35-05:00

That’s right, having been in the industry for many years I can tell you that is the truth and there is a lot of money made in that office. For many dealerships half of their revenue is made on the “backend” of the deal by charging higher rates than the rate they can get and selling you products you don’t need like extra insurance, warranties, and rust protection.

According to a recent study there is a one out of four chance that finance manager will take you for a ride and you will end up paying way more than you should for that new car especially if you are a woman or a minority. You could end up with payments $30 to $50 higher than they should be and give the dealership thousands in additional profit.

Watch out for the manager trying to point out inconsequential discrepancies in your credit report to try to justify the higher interest rate. You should know what you are qualified for before going in there; make that part of your research.

The mechanics of how financing work at a dealership goes as follows: The dealer submits your information along with the buyers order to lenders who then give the dealer what is called a “buy rate” which is the rate the dealer has to pay. Anything they make above this is profit for the dealer.

There are many states that have set limits on how high an interest rate can be charged for a loan but there is no disclosure to show what the bank’s original offer was. If some new laws making disclosure mandatory it would put an end to this mark up.

The best way to avoid this is to be prepared by shopping with your bank or credit union for financing and get pre-approved by them. This doesn’t obligate you but it does equip you to deal better with the finance people at the dealership. If you know exactly what the best rate is that you can get as well as what your payments should be then you just see if they can do better, sometimes they can. Banks sometimes give dealers lower rates because of the large volume of business they do.

How To Find Used Cars At The Best Prices

2006-03-16T09:09-05:00

The key to shopping for anything is to do your research first and cars are no exception. New cars can be easier, but both new and used vehicles have their difficulties.

The first thing that you should do is get an idea of what kind of vehicle you want and try to narrow it down to a couple of different models to make your research easier. Once you have done this you can start watching your local classifieds and see what kind of prices they are bringing there.

Many times you can find great deals in your local classifieds and depending on the seller’s situation you may be able to get a vehicle at a price well below retail. Sometimes people get a big eye opener when they try to trade their car and want to get more than the dealer will give them, which in many cases is still a bargain.

You can also do some checking online at sites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and NADA.

One of my favorite methods is to use eBay. With eBay you can open a free account and then you can go to eBay Motors and pick out vehicles that are being auctioned and put them in a watch list. I have done this many times not only to buy a vehicle, but also to get a good idea what I should get if I sell mine. Online Auctions like this can be a great way to find good deals. You get to check out the vehicles, which usually have pictures and shop right from the comfort of your own home. Try to find auctions with no reserve, these types of auctions don’t have a minimum price before they will sell and you may well be able to buy a vehicle at a great discount.

Another recommendation I have to make is that you use the system known as CARFAX. The information they offer is crucial in that they have information on all major repairs done on vehicles through information compiled from insurance claims and repair facilities.

Public Car Auctions are held in many areas and you don’t have to be a dealer to attend. Many times these auctions have cars that have been repossessed from local banks and credit unions that have no desire to keep them.

You can also check with local rental car companies that may be reducing last year’s fleet.

Some suggest going to dealer auctions, but it has been my experience that in many cases the vehicles end up going higher than they should.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. For car detailing products go to http://www.shineyourcar.com

Are Hybrid Cars Hazardous?

2006-03-10T09:51-05:00

With all of the talk of hybrid vehicles many people are singing their praises about these lightweight, fuel-efficient cars. But are there hazards to driving a hybrid? Is there really anything to worry about? Let’s take a closer look at potential hybrid hazards.

One of the biggest concerns often talked about when it comes to hybrid vehicles has to do with those personnel responding to accidents involving a hybrid. Many traditional looking cars such as the Honda Accord and Ford Escape are being built with hybrid engines and rescuers might experience some difficulty at the scene of an accident identifying one as such. The reason the identification is crucial is that as compared to conventional gas powered cars, hybrid vehicles have a tremendous amount of electricity coursing through them and thus could cause injury to rescuers and further injury to drivers already hurt by the crash. Many people believe that the solution to this problem is for automakers to affix a label on the driver’s side visor stating that it is a hybrid vehicle, equip with all the features that this kind of car entails.

New hybrids are bursting onto the market at an increasing rate and therefore all first responders need to be taught about ways in which hybrid cars differ from more traditional non-hybrid models. Lack of education could result in safety measures being compromised and injuries taking place. To use the battery in a hybrid to illustrate the point, in some hybrid models the battery carries with it a charge of up to 500 volts and is powered both by gasoline and electricity. Compare this with the voltage of a typical non-hybrid car, which is in the area of 12 volts. First responders need to be taught where the battery is located in a hybrid car and how to cut the cables without risking being electrocuted by the high voltage that the battery puts out. This is particularly important when machinery such as the Jaws of Life is required to physically remove a passenger in imminent danger from a car. It cannot be emphasized enough, without proper training, more serious injury, and even death, could result.

This problem is being addressed by manufacturers of hybrids with Honda and Toyota going to the front of the line on safety procedures. Hybrid cars are being suited with color codes so first responders can easily comprehend the flow of electricity in the car. Honda hybrids use the color bright orange to designate the high-voltage power line which helps reduce safety risks for rescuers responding to calls.

Concerns about hybrid hazards have led Honda and Toyota to create their own individual safety guides for rescue personnel. Every fire department in the United States received a copy of these guides to be made available for their staff to educate themselves. Toyota has just completed new guides for its latest hybrid vehicles, the Highlander and Lexus. These guides can easily be read online by any member of the public, whether they are emergency workers or not.

In South Florida, with its many canals, many people have expressed concerns about the hybrid hazards involved in water submersion, as these kinds of accidents are common in this area of the state. Manufacturers of hybrid vehicles say that the only thing emergency personnel need to keep in mind in regard to safety issues is to remember to make sure the car’s ignition is turned off once it is out of the water.

Speaking of the car being turned off, that is another issue for hot debate when it comes to talk of hybrid hazards. Hybrid cars are made differently than traditional gas powered vehicles in that it is not always easy to tell if they are off or still running. Most traditional cars one need only feel the hood of the car to make a correct determination but hybrids can be tricky- a hybrid can appear to be turned off when in actual fact it is in silent electric mode and very able to plow over an unsuspecting person if any movement or pressure is applied to the accelerator. One possible solution to this serious hazard put forth by the fire department in Texas is to place chocks under the wheels if it is not known whether the car’s ignition is still on or not.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get car care products for your car from http://www.shineyourcar.com