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The modern world relies heavily on automobiles to get around and perform necessary errands, but they can pose a significant threat to the healthy and safety of you and your family. When most people think of the dangers of cars, they think only of traffic accidents. They seldom consider that the vehicle itself may be slowly poisoning them and their passengers.

Automobiles contain a shocking array of hazardous chemicals that can cause health problems ranging from simple allergies to cancer and serious birth defects.

Benzene

This solvent is heavily used for the manufacturing plastics, as well as replacing lead as a fuel additive. Because of its chemical properties, it disperses rapidly into the air where it is inhaled. Benzene is a well-known and potent carcinogen. Prolonged exposure may lead to symptoms like respiratory problems, nausea and vomiting, dizzy spells and neurological problems. Anemia is also risk because benzene decreases levels of red blood cells.

Chlorine

People are most familiar with this chemical in the form of bleach, tap water and pool additives. However, it is also used to make PVC, a form of plastic that makes up almost your car’s entire interior from the dashboard to the faux leather seats. Chlorine is known to cause heart disease, liver damage, premature birth, fertility problems, asthma and endocrine system damage. It is also easily passed from mother to baby through the placenta and milk.

Asbestos

Asbestos may be banned for use in the U.S., but many cars are made in countries that still allow it. This carcinogen finds its way into brake pads, gaskets, fiberglass linings and even automotive carpeting. Even limited exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and respiratory problems, as well as disorders of the stomach and eyes.

Lead

Everyone is aware of lead’s status as a dangerous substance, but few realize that it threatens them inside their own car. The most common source of lead in automobiles comes from the plastics where it is used as an additive to make them soft and pliable. Common problems associated with lead exposure include neurological damage, mental and behavioral problems, kidney disorders, reproductive issues and blood disorders.

Bromine

Bromine is primarily used to make flame-retardants, so it’s quite ironic that something so toxic is meant to ensure personal safety. This chemical disperses into the air over time. The process is sped up by high temperatures and sunlight, so keep all windows cracked while you’re not driving to avoid dangerous concentrations. Bromine is associated with learning disabilities, thyroid disorders, impaired fertility, poor memory and behavioral problems.

Cars are a source of numerous other potentially dangerous substances such as cobalt, mercury, nickel, copper, arsenic and chromium. Although these things are naturally occurring minerals and are needed in small amounts for good health, prolonged or chronic exposure to unnaturally high doses can cause serious health issues.

Author Information

Brian Turner has been working with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance as an environmental health and toxic substance safety advocate since June 2007. He conducts research and raises awareness of environmental health risks, including carcinogens, and offers his green building expertise. Brian’s interest in cars extends to  classic, muscle, imports and beyond.  He keeps active by  playing and watching various sports with friends.

A battery is one of the most crucial elements to a good running vehicle. Without one, well…let’s just say you wouldn’t get very far. On the same note, a bad battery is almost as bad as not having one at all. The last thing you need is being stranded somewhere with a vehicle that has no power.

Batteries are subject to wear down over time just like any other part on your vehicle. A clean one will last much longer and take you much further than a dirty, old one will. This article will teach you how to properly check your battery.

Safety First

Batteries can be dangerous. Before checking yours, be sure to take a moment and read the safety measures listed either on the vehicle, battery, or safety manual. Here are some of the major things to consider:

• Cigarettes are a big no-no: Batteries are powered by sulfuric acid which turns into hydrogen gas (which can cause it to explode). Also, make sure that none of the acid lands on your skin. If it does, wash it off immediately to avoid experiencing any long-term damage.
• Turn everything off: When you work on your battery, make sure that you turn your engine off and disconnect the battery. While this is primarily for your own safety, it also keeps the vehicle safe too (shots of unneeded voltage can reach your vehicles computer and break it).
• Remove negative cable for work under hood: If you are going to be doing any wiring underneath the hood of your vehicle, remove the negative cable from the negative terminal on your battery. This prevents any possibility of you getting shocked.
• When replacing cables, remove negative cable first: This is for the safety of your tool. If you decide to remove the positive cable first and your accidently touch something metal with your wrench, it could literally fuse to that part- almost like it was welded there.
• Tie cables back while working: Never allow anything made of metal to come into contact with the posts on the battery terminal. This can cause severe damage to the battery. There is even a possibility of destroying the computer built into your vehicle.

Checking Your Battery

Now that you understand battery safety, let’s cover the steps to actually checking it. It is actually very easy to check the integrity of your battery. Follow these five steps:

1. Clean positive and negative terminals: Powdery deposits tend to accumulate on them and affect the connection between the cables and the terminal. Remove the cables — make sure to remove the negative one first — and brush off any foreign material. Use a scrub or tooth brush for this step. You can even pour a mixture of baking soda and water on it to help remove the collection of corrosion.
2. Dry everything: Use a lint-free rag to wipe away the area you cleaned. Make sure that you don’t get any of those chemicals on your hands. If you do, then wash immediately.
3. Reconnect the terminals: Connect the positive cable first followed by the negative cable. After they are connected, use petroleum jelly or automotive grease to coat the terminals. This should help prevent those corrosive chemicals from building up.
4. Examine cables and clamps: Are they corroded? If you see what may look like extensive damage, then you should consider replacing them. If you don’t, you run the risk of your battery short-circuiting and damaging the computer inside of your vehicle. If you are ever in doubt, have a professional check your battery for you. He may also tell if your battery needs to be charged or replaced.
5. Check terminals and battery case: Most people tend to skip this step. Cracks in the battery and/or the terminals are something you should always look for. If you see even the slightest amount of damage, then replace immediately.

Checking your battery is actually quite simple as you can see. If you follow these steps then you should have no trouble doing it yourself.

Author Information

Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer providing valuable tips and advice for consumers looking for best car insurance rate quotes. Her husband refers to her as the walking infomercial because she loves surfing the Internet for new deals. She also loves learning new things and provides insight for people looking to save or manage their money. She lives with her wonderful family in Texas.

Everyone likes getting a good deal on a new car. Drivers scour the Internet for information to compare makes and models before zeroing-in on one particular set of wheels. Then comes hours of reading both industry and consumer reviews, asking family, friends and co-workers about past experiences and kicking the tires on more than one of the same model car.

After the pleasantries are exchanged and the test drive is over, it comes time to negotiate. And this is where every car buyer feels they might be overpaying. But are they? And when exactly is the best time to get a good deal on a new car? Are Christmas deals really worth it?

Is Buying a New Car Worth It?

Many consumers have been treated to the media conception about buying a car new and its immediate devaluation. A precipitous drop in worth right after rolling off the sales lot. Some reports state it to be 15 percent. Others peg the number higher at 20 percent.

That’s a lot of dough. But that number is a bit erroneous. Experts estimate a new car depreciates 30 percent in the first year of ownership. Knowing this, does it really make any sense to buy used? After all, a used car only continues to undergo depreciation each year it is driven.

Moreover, the depreciation is not the only factor in buying a new car. Insurance is typically less expensive for new cars because they have state-of-the-art security and safety features.

What is the Advantage of Buying Used?

The lone advantage is paying less. But consumers get what they pay for. Buying used means buying a vehicle that has undergone wear and tear. It means paying a higher insurance premium because of out-of-date safety and security features. It also means, buying someone else’s vehicle and hoping that someone kept up on the regularly scheduled maintenance.

Are Christmas Deals a Good Deal?

Technically speaking, yes. There’s an old adage in the automobile industry, “the best time to buy a car is at week’s end, month’s end and year’s end”. Simply put, Christmas hits the mark, being at year’s end.

And year end is when dealers are trying to offload their inventory. Car dealers not only need to offload inventory but get their “add-on” sales up. That translate directly into discounted rates on extended warranties and maintenance programs.

When Should I Start Shopping

Start straight away. Begin conducting research at the end of November or first week of December. That provides a buyer ample time to find the make and model most wanted. When Christmas rolls around, a driver will be ready to make the deal.

Author Information

Britney Baker usually blogs about how to compare auto insurance over at AutoInsuranceComparison.org. She recently looked at the best options for Colorado car insurance.

Photo: John Siebert

Driving at night is something so commonplace that few ever consider the inherent dangers involved. However, just as drivers alter their behavior in dense fog or heavy rain, it is important to take into account the time of day, and more specifically how the lack of sunlight reduces your overall visibility. This is true regardless of whether you are on a long trip or making a short commute. The more casually you view driving at night, the more likely you are to ignore proper safety precautions. Consequently, the risk of an accident rises exponentially. The following are five tips every driver should consider before driving at night:

1. Staying Awake – Staying awake is especially pertinent for drivers involved in a long trip. In addition to coffee and caffeinated beverages, some people try listening to music or opening the windows to let in a cool blast of air. A lack of adequate ventilation can exacerbate fatigue. Eating light snacks can keep you energized without the drowsiness that accompanies overeating.

2. Be Alert – Being a good driver means more than being awake and functional. You must also be aware of your surroundings and any potential dangers. At night, much of your vision is compromised, however, as objects outside of your headlights are significantly dimmed. Take extra care with blind spots, when changing lanes and watch out for deer when traveling in wooded areas.

3. Using Your Lights – When driving at night, lights can be both helpful and obstructive. Avoid looking directly at another car’s headlights as it can result in a temporary reduction of vision. Do not use your high beams as it can reduce the visibility of opposing drivers and increase the risk of an accident. Do not employ fog lights when there is no fog. Utilize your sun visor if coming across an area with bright street lamps. In the event of a breakdown, be sure to pull your car safely off the road and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

4. Maximize Visibility – Driving at night means your eyes are driving with a handicap. This is why it is important to take every step to maximize your visibility. Do not smoke in the car, as the nicotine in the cigarette is known to hamper vision. Do not turn on the interior light, as it reduces visibility outside the vehicle.

5. Slow Down – Not being able to see the entire road means having less reaction time to adjust to obstacles and incoming collisions. In order to compensate for the lost reaction time, it helps to drive a bit slower than you normally would during the day. Dropping your speed by just 5 miles per hour can add whole seconds to your ability to avoid an accident. Although it may be difficult to adjust your customary driving habits, keep in mind that such a decrease in speed will cost you only a few minutes of time, whereas the physical, financial, and psychological effects of an accident can last decades.

Ultimately, the most important tip for night driving is to treat it seriously. While many drivers make adjustments for inclement weather, few change their habits depending on the time of day. By treating night driving as a separate entity, you will be conscious of the inherent dangers that come from decreased visibility.

Author Information

Colin Riley writes for BikeInsurance.net and covers a number of motorcycle topics including how to find cheap bmw bike insurance.

Do you want to have a peek at the cheapest sports cars for this coming year 2012? Usually the thought of a sports car will get most enthusiasts excited but the price quickly brings you back to reality. There are a handful of examples of cheap sports cars on the market. These sporty vehicles will have you smiling through the twists and turns at an affordable price.

5) 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – The Hyundai Genesis has a base price of only $22,250 making it the cheapest car on this list. The Genesis is powered by a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine or a 3.8-liter V-6 engine. The V-6 is pretty tough and produces 308 horsepower and 266 foot pounds of torque. The base model has a starting price of $22,250 but the really cool R-Spec edition with the V-6 costs $26,750. The 2012 Genesis Coupe has many sporty features including a track-tuned suspension that consist of high dampener rates and stiffer spring. Stopping power comes via huge Brembo brakes and 19-inch lightweight rims which look great. With 0-60 MPH times in upper 5 second-range the Genesis has some good pick-up and go! Gas Mileage for the Genesis Coupe is 26 mpg on highways and 17 mpg in cities. Hailing from Korea, this is one of the only import cars on the list.  The eye-catching appearance is the best part about the Genesis.

4) 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS – With a reasonable price of $31,850, the Camaro Super Sport is the most affordable muscle car on the road today. Like a blast from the past the 2012 Camaro SS comes packed with a big V-8 engine, awesome looks and great handling abilities. This marks the fifth version of the Camaro and Chevy went with the classic retro styling just like Ford and Dodge did with its muscle cars. The monster V-8 engine is a 6.2-liter beast that is capable of 426 horsepower and 420 foot pounds of torque. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS is capable of breaking the 0-60 mph sprint in less than 5 seconds. Fuel economy for the Camaro is not bad for a big V-8 at 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the freeway.

3) 2012 Ford Shelby GT 500 – Moving up from everyday muscle car to big bad muscle car is the 2012 Ford Shelby GT 500. Sure the Shelby costs $16k more at a base price of $48,000. But this Mustang freak is powered by a supercharged V-8 engine that produces 550 horsepower and 510 foot pounds of torque. This by far is the most horsepower you can get for your money. But you get a whole lot more than just a big engine. The Shelby GT 500 packs large 14-inch Brembo brakes, a great 6-speed manual transmission, and a limited strip differential to help you put the power down. On the exterior you can get cool throw-back sports stripes. With a 0-60 MPH time of 4.3 seconds the Shelby will no doubt be one of the fastest cars you wil ever drive. And the car comes fully loaded with Ford’s SYNC system and more. Fuel economy is not so great at 15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway. But with 550 horsepower and some mean acceleration, you will not care about what kind of gas mileage you get!

2) 2012 Porsche Cayman – This Porsche Cayman is the best looking sports car you can get for a reasonable price. Still $59,100 is not that cheap but compared some other Porsches out there this car is a great value. The Cayman has a sexy look with great performance to back it up. In fact, it’s one of the most eye-catching and head-turning sports cars available. Porsche is known for their flat-six boxer engines which is present in this Cayman. It is a 2.9-liter 6-cylinder engine that puts out 265 horsepower and 221 foot pounds of torque. Fuel economy is 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway which is great for a sports car. You can step up to the faster Cayman Black Edition but it will cost a lot more.

1) 2012 BMW M3 – With a base price of just under $60,000 the BMW M3 represents the best cheap sports car money can buy. The M3 destroys the competition in practically every contest it enters. The car combines luxury, sportiness, and good looks all into one package. The engine is a 4.0-liter V-8 that gives you 414 horsepower and 295 foot pounds of torque. The V-8 engine screams all the way to an 8,400 RPM redline. 0-60 times are eclipsed in 4.8 seconds thanks to a trick 7-speed transmission with BMW’s famous Double clutch gearbox with cool paddle shifters. Simply pick the M3’s Dynamic Mode which tweaks the car’s response for a more aggressive feel. The 2012 BMW M3 only average 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway though.

So consider this point: you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy a sports car.

As it turns out, there’s a lot to know – and what you don’t know could end up costing you thousands of dollars in the long run.  While car ownership is particularly expensive – especially as petrol prices begin to skyrocket around the world – there’s no denying that knowing the ins and outs of your car details can really help when saving every dollar possible.

So if you’re ready to cut down the cost of car ownership – not to mention make a few extra dollars in the process – then read on for the 10 things you should know about your car, Including how these things can end up saving you money in the long run:

1. Your car depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot.  While this is a common fact, what’s not so common is the knowledge of how much it depreciates once the keys are handed over to you.  Recent research revealed that the average car depreciates by a whopping 30% as soon as its driven off the lot – and that’s money that you’ll never recuperate if you ‘re looking to sell soon.  So what’s the lesson here?  Don’t spend money on a car in the hopes of making it back someday – it’s just not going to happen.
2. Your car is cheapest to purchase during the end of August, when new car models are in the process of being rolled out.  Your car is at its most expensive in the months of June and December.
3. With proper care and maintenance, the average car lasts for approximately 12 years before needing to be replaced.
4. The insurance on your car will play a large role in how expensive car ownership will be.  So what’s a surprising predictor of expensive car insurance?  As it turns out, your zip/postal code will play a major role in your premium price; perhaps it plays a more pivotal role than previous speeding tickets or your age.  Insurance companies regard certain zip/postal codes with trepidation, as these are home to more accidents and other policy-rising incidents.  If you own a car and live in a major city, be prepared to shell out far more than the family who lives in the countryside.
5. According to statistics, the average Australian and American will take a road trip once a year , which is far above the average for Europeans, who only go on road trips once every two years.
6. Your car will be the second largest purchase you ever make in your lifetime; the largest will be your home.
7. Australians and Americans love their cars: the majority of Australians own a car, while just over half of Australian families own two.  Nine out of 10 Americans own a car.
8. If you’re looking to pay top dollar for your car – especially if you want a brand name like BMW or Mercedes – you’ll pay far more for the privilege of ownership than your European counterparts, thanks to the cost of transportation.
9. Another surprising fact about your car is that you can save up to 30% on repairs, oil changes and other necessary maintenance just by switching where you go to get it serviced.  A recent report in America showed that auto dealer mechanics charge 20-30% more for repairs than independent mechanics.  Whether this is because auto dealerships make more of their money from repairs or the independent mechanic has more to lose from a bad reputation, there’s no denying that taking your car to an independent mechanic will save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
10. So what’s the final item in our “Ten Things You Should Know About Owning a Car” list?  It’s this: your car is one of the biggest revenue generators you’ll ever own. This may come as a shock, especially considering just how much of this list was devoted to car expenses.  But thanks to the rise of peer-to-peer car rentals, you could stand to make a small fortune by renting out your car to private renters who are tired of paying sky-high car rental prices at traditional car rental agencies.

Author Information

Kristy is a freelance writer for Drive My Car Rentals a new peer to peer car rental community in Australia, where you can save up to 70% on the cost of hiring a car compared to traditional car rental companies. Whether you’re seeking car rentals in Brisbane or Sydney, DriveMyCarRentals.com.au have a huge range of vehicles, right around Australia.

Mercury (1938-2011)

In June 2010, Ford sent its Mercury models out to pasture after 71 years of service. The president of Ford America said at the time, that the company wanted to focus their time and energy on their Ford and Lincoln vehicles. The Mercury brand came to life in 1938, during the depression. James Dean even drove a Mercury in the classic film “Rebel Without a Cause.” The sale of Mercury vehicles peaked in the 1970s, when they were selling around 500,000 cars per year. In 2009, Ford would only sell 93,000 Mercury vehicles.

Saturn (1986-2009), Hummer (1992-2010) and Pontiac (1926-2009)

A defunct AURA from a discontinued brand.

In 2009, at the same time as they were submitting a viability plan to the US Government, General Motors (GM) was also closing the doors on their Saturn, Hummer, and Pontiac brands. Saab was also sold to Spyker Cars N.V., which means that GM has cut their vehicle brands in half. The remaining GM brands are GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Buick.

Oldsmobile (1897-2004)

Why does a 107-year-old car brand end? Ask GM. It seems like they’re an expert at discontinuing vehicles. In 2000, they announced that they would stop producing Oldsmobile vehicles because of concerns about profitability and a reported lack of sales. The last vehicle they would unveil was the popular Oldsmobile Bravada SUV. (Yes, this SUV was popular!) The shutdown of the last Oldsmobile plant was the subject of a documentary film called “The Last Truck: Closing of a G.M. Plant.” The film consists of footage of GM workers talking about the loss of their jobs and about working at the plant in its final days.

Plymouth (1928-2001)

In 1928, the Plymouth brand became Chrysler’s first foray into the economy car market. Chrysler dropped the Eagle brand back in 1998 and at the time there were plans to expand the Plymouth name, but that never happened. Instead, Chrysler decided to call it quits on Plymouth in 2001. Sales were mediocre and most of the vehicles produced by Plymouth were also being made by Chrysler and Dodge, making the third brand somewhat unnecessary.

There has been a lot of uncertainty in the auto industry since the government bailouts in 2008-2009. The past decade will be remembered as a tumultuous time for the industry. We should expect to see the big three automakers focus their attention back on creating profitable cars rather than fighting tooth and nail for every scrap of market share. There was also a lot of trimming of the fat and that is why we must say goodbye to the vehicle brands we’ve listed here. You will be missed.

Author Information

This post was provided by the car insurance quote website Complete Insurance. For more information about the automotive industry visit The New York Times – bailout section.

Is your car ready for a wintry wallop?

Colder morning temperatures are a sure sign that the seasons are transitioning, with winter weather not too far away. That means your car needs to be ready to handle winter’s worst, including snow, ice and frigid mornings.

Winter Prep Tips

Let’s take a look at some steps you can take now to ensure that your car can handle any winter whollop:

Inspect tires - Your tires must be up to the task to handle whatever road conditions you face. This means having adequate tread left to manage ice and snow. For drivers living in snowy climates, investing in a pair of snow tires is important too. Buy a new pair of snow tires if the old tires have aged or show signs of wear. Check the spare tire too.

Check your lights - Inspect head lamps, tail lights, turn signal indicators and fog lamps for proper operation. Replace burnt out bulbs and clean off light covers. Check the third brake light too.

Top off or replace your antifreeze - When was the last time you inspected your antifreeze? When was it drained and replaced? If the antifreeze is still fresh, then top it off according to manufacturer instructions. Otherwise, flush and refill.

Inspect wires and hoses - Your car may be in excellent running condition, but a frayed wire or split hose can render your vehicle inoperable. Check wires, hoses and belts – replace as needed. Extreme temperatures will magnify any problem with your car. Avoid getting stranded over a cheap replacement part.

Perform a brake inspection - Are your car’s brake pads up to the job? If not, replace same. Check the master cylinder for proper levels, discs and calipers for signs of wear and your car’s suspension system including struts and shocks. Many garages provide a free inspection which is ideal for the person who is not familiar with this work.

Change your oil - Fall and spring are ideal times to schedule oil changes, just before the extreme temperatures of winter and summer set in. Change the oil and oil filter; if a tune up is due, then get that done now.

Make an emergency kit - Winter traveling means having emergency supplies at the ready in the event that you get stranded. Bring along a fully charged cell phone and cell phone recharger. Your kit should also include food, a blanket, water, jumper cables, flat repair, flares, fresh batteries and a first aid kit.

Check Engine Light

Even new cars can be severely tested when a cold snap sets in. If the check engine light comes on or your car has trouble starting, don’t ignore the problem. Importantly, ensure that your road club plan is active and up to date – keep that number handy too.

Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of “Auto Trends Magazine.” Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including BMW parts and Buick parts.

That collapse saw Lehman Brothers shuttered and its assets liquidated. Several more financial institutions failed or were rescued through emergency buy outs. Immediately, consumers began to pull back on their purchases including leased cars. Today, the number of leased cars being returned by lessees has shrunk, with about 30 percent deciding to buy out their leased cars at discounted prices.

Used Inventory

A shrunken inventory of used cars has pushed up prices for all used cars from late model vehicles that are only one or two years old to much older vehicles with high mileage and in fair condition at best.

In a September 2011 report on the state of used car industry — The Lehman Time Bomb — Automotive News noted that prices for some used cars are very close to what people are paying for a new car. That publication gave an example of a Chevrolet Malibu which, after three years of ownership, is priced just $2,000 less than a new Malibu. The same can be said for other vehicles including the Honda Pilot, Nissan Sentra and the Ford Escape.

Ongoing Problem

The problem of elevated used car prices may continue for at least the next three years unless the economy begins to rebound. By 2014, the number of leased cars and traded-in vehicles should grow substantially, but perhaps not enough to offset continued strong demand. As long as demand outstrips supply, then used car prices will remain inflated.

If you are in the market for a used car, there are websites available that can give you pricing information for a vehicle at no charge to you. For example, Kelley Blue Book is one such site and offers four questions on the home page of its website. The second question — what should I pay for a used car? — should be selected and the second choice, I want a certified pre-owned car, selected. This particular selection is especially helpful for the buyer who wants to get a vehicle through a used car dealer and to receive a warranty for their purchase. Those prices will generally be higher than what you pay to a private party, but you should end up with a car that is in very good working order along with a manufacturer’s guarantee.

Comparing Models

Once you begin to dig deeper on the KBB site, you can enter information about the car including its trim level, extras such automatic transmission and navigation systems, and then arrive at a price that should reflect what a dealer might charge. That’s assuming the vehicle is in excellent shape and that its miles correspond to the age of the vehicle. Figure that most cars are driven 1,000 to 1,250 miles per month when arriving at an estimate. Adjust accordingly per its specific odometer reading.

With the information you now have in hand, the decision becomes this: do I buy a 2- to 3-year-old used car or look for something older or buy new? Your budget will determine what you can afford as well as your willingness to take on the problems of someone else’s car.

Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of “Auto Trends Magazine.” Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Chrysler parts and Alfa Romeo parts.

References

BU Today: What Happened on Wall Street?; Robin Berghaus and Jessica Ullian; September 16, 2008

Kelley Blue Book: Used Cars

Changes may be coming to a gasoline pump near you if federal regulators and the ethanol lobby have their way. Both groups are pushing for a higher blend of ethanol fuel to be mixed in with gasoline, a concoction that will equal 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent straight gasoline, best known as E15 fuel. That fuel, however, is not without controversy: car manufacturers are calling upon the Environmental Protection Agency to back off, claiming that vehicles using this fuel could suffer engine damage, effectively voiding owners’ car warranties.

E15 Push

The push to E15 comes from a group of midwestern farmers and ethanol producers responsible for growing corn and converting it into fuel. Today, more than 90 percent of all pumps offer E10 fuel, a relatively harmless byproduct. However, automakers warn that increasing that number to E15 could cause serious problems for some engines, something the EPA acknowledges, but only for older vehicles.

Indeed, gasoline pumps will be affixed with a sticker declaring that the new fuel is only for use in model year 2001 and newer vehicles or for any flex-fuel vehicle. Flex fuel vehicles contain special fuel lines that resist the corrosive nature of E85 fuel which consists of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent straight gasoline. Therefore, these vehicles can run on any combination of gas and ethanol safely. Not so with older vehicles and, according to the automakers, newer vehicles too.

Political Support

The EPA has the broad support of the Obama administration, which is looking for ways to reduce America’s dependency on foreign sources of fuel. However, the risk of using E15 is apparent as even the EPA concedes that some vehicles and engines cannot handle it. The EPA has said that the new fuel isn’t for use in motorcycles nor is it for certain off-road vehicles such as snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles. Moreover, consumers are being warned not to include E15 in their lawnmowers, snow blowers or leaf blowing equipment.

Members of Congress are looking at the problem closely and may stop or delay the EPA from allowing E15 fuel. One way that may be accomplished is to defund ethanol subsidies, effectively cutting the legs out from underneath the industry.

Mandated Use

If E15 becomes law, consumers will find out fairly fast if their engines are adversely affected. While a home grown fuel is certainly welcome, mandating its use in engines not outfitted properly seems not only misguided, but foolish.

Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of “Auto Trends Magazine.” Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Honda Civic exhaust and audio and video parts.

References

EPA: E15 (a blend of gasoline and ethanol)

Northwestern University: Illinois Groups Defend E15 Despite Misfueling Worries; Kathryn Ferrara; September 28, 2011