Gas Prices sure can increase quickly, but how long does it take them to come down? It seems like we are constantly watching the prices rise at a rapidly increasing rate. What does this mean for the average consumer? It could mean that we are starting to second guess upgrading to a bigger vehicle, with the extra space and power. Which could signify that we are starting to search for a smaller vehicle one that gets better gas mileage and has a smaller engine. But just because we might need to start looking for a car with a smaller engine that won’t consume as much fuel, doesn’t mean we have to downsize the power that we want as well. Honda Accord now makes a Turbo Charged Engine. It is a smaller engine but the turbo gives it the boost it needs to make up for any power losses.
Definition
A turbocharger, or colloquially turbo, is a turbine-driven forced induction device that increases an internal combustion engine’s efficiency and power output by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber.
Benefits of a Honda Accord With a Turbo Charged Engine
- Increased Horsepower- Makes more power at a lower rpm
- It feels more relaxed to drive
- Increased reliability of engine
- Higher Efficiency- Runs off energy that is typically lost in naturally aspirated engines, thus the recovery of the engine improves the overall efficiency of engine
What Else is Changing in the Car Industry?
We have found more and more cars are being made with aluminum bodies. There are some advantages of this as well as disadvantages. Read along with us as we go over a few.
Pros
1. Lightweight
2. Strength and Durability
3. Safety Benefits
When applied to an optimized automotivebody structure, aluminum can provide a weight savings of up to 50 percent compared with the traditional mild steel structure. Due to the reduced weight, the car will use less fuel. Aluminum body structures are equal or superior in strength to steel and absorb twice as much crash-induced energy. We have found that with Honda they tend to make their hoods and trunks with aluminum which saves on weight, but usually does not affect body shop and insurance rates.
Cons
Now the we considered the pros. When dealing with aluminum it does not come without its disadvantages as well.
1. Higher costs to repair
2. Inability to be welded easily
3. In some situations it is more difficult to paint
Aluminum is more expensive than steel, as much as two to three times more. A drawback that comes along with it being more expensive, is you will find that you are spending more money at the body repair shop. When it comes to welding it isn’t as easy as if a steel door panel needs to be repaired. Usually with steel it can be welded back together easily, primed and repainted to look like no damage was even done to the vehicle, unfortunately this can’t be done with aluminum.
Now, we wait and see, to find out exactly what the future of the car industry will decide to do. Will they completely make the switch to aluminum? Or will they keep using steel because it is what we all know best. Only time will tell.
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