Motor Views

As you plan for summer road trips, know that gasoline cards should be a part of the picture. With the cost of gasoline continuing to rise, it is critical to know how to save money. It is even more important to know that the cost of fuel can be limited in some ways by simply taking steps toward better fuel efficiency. There are things you can do to make sure this happens no matter if you are a consumer, a business owner, a fleet manager or a driver. The following are some tips to help you to get more.

First, track your mileage and do so in real time. By knowing what your current consumption is, you can ensure that you are actually getting the most out of it. You can do this by using gasoline cards. These cards allow you to see exactly how much you are spending on gas so you can avoid overpaying.

Keep the brakes off. As much as possible, avoid braking the car. This causes the engine to have to rev up to get moving again and that means more consumption of gas as a result. Keep braking slow and be sure to slow down rather than stop if that is possible.

Keep your eyes on the road at all times. That is important for overall safety but it also helps you to anticipate what is happening in front of you. For example, if you notice a slowdown in traffic up ahead, slow your vehicle down but avoid stopping if you can.

Go uphill slower. People make this common mistake. While it does take more consumption of gas to go uphill, who says you have to go uphill at the same speed you were driving on the flat surface? In other words, let your vehicle drop a few miles per hour while going uphill instead of gunning it.

You can often improve the aerodynamics of vehicles to help improve the overall gas efficiency. For example, smooth wheel covers or adding rear wheel skirts are some of the ways you can do this. However, take into consideration the costs associated with doing this, as well.

Keep your tires inflated properly when driving. This is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your car’s efficiency overall. You want to ensure that the vehicle’s tires meet the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle.

Be sure to minimize the amount of back and forth driving you have to do so multitask whenever possible. Get more people in the car instead of having to drive numerous cars, if you are a business fleet owner.

Do take the time to choose vehicles that are going to provide you with the best mileage possible. You want to ensure that the vehicle is able to keep you from spending too much. Larger, luxury vehicles may look great, but not on your bottom line.

Do take the time to plan out the route ahead of you before you leave. Know where you have to go and know how to get around traffic or construction ahead of time.

Avoid driving through rush hour. This is the perfect time to waste your fuel.

Gasoline cards are also helpful. They can help you to save money by giving you a way to cut down on what you are spending while also alerting you to how much you are putting into the vehicle. More so, they allow you to minimize costs overall by allowing you to track costs.

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How do you manage your fleet’s fuel purchases? Many businesses are still using a cash system but that could be costing your business in the long run. There are better options available, such as fleet card services, that provide your business with the type of flexibility it needs while also working towards achieving lower costs. Every fleet manager in the country is looking at his or her bottom line and wondering where they are going to make up the cost. Little do they realize that they can actually empower employees and achieve more without having to pay as much. In fact, this may be a better way to manage your business in total.

One of the reasons to use a fleet card instead of using cash is for simple accounting purposes. Your drivers come in with a receipt for their purchase. What happens to that receipt? Does it make its way to the accounting department or does it get lost in the shuffle? How often do your employees lose those receipts themselves? This positions the company for mistakes and frustrations. However, if you use a card for the purchases instead, it will keep track of all of this information for you. It is easy to see which car got filled up and what was spent. This makes accounting far easier.

While that is a good reason to switch, it is not the biggest of all. That comes in the form of saving money. Fleet managers today are looking for ways to cut those expenses down simply because there just is not enough money out there to pay for the rising cost of fuel. One way to better manage this is by getting fuel at a cheaper price. You can do that by using the fleet card services. These cards allow you to tap into a network of fuel providers. This network charges less to those who use this service. In other words, you get the same amount of gas, and the highest quality as well, but you pay less for it. It really is a win-win situation for the business owner.

Yet another benefit of using a card for purchases over using a traditional cash method is that you can track maintenance better. Some of these fleet programs can cut into the costs of maintenance, too, if you obtain the service from a network provider. That will save you money right away. However, another way that this will save you money is by using the card to track your maintenance updates and your tune ups. That way, your vehicles are running at their best fuel economy especially when things like tire pressure and air filters are maintained. In addition, this will lengthen the life of many vehicles within the fleet, reducing the costs for replacement.

What can cash do? It is a risk that many business owners are still taking because it seems like the simple choice. However, today, using a card is far easier. From a business point of view, the savings any cash user is missing out on means a loss of true profits that the business could be benefiting from in the long term. Although, there is little you can do to lower the cost of fuel, there are options for keeping your business running within budget. Fleet card services can actually be one of the best tools to help you to accomplish these goals. Consider how much simpler, faster and more efficient this simple switch can improve upon your business. You may be wondering why you waited this long to make that switch in the first place. Take into consideration all of those reasons for switching.

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There is a lot of paperwork in managing a fleet of any size. Those fleet managers that have experience in working with multiple vehicles or even hundreds of vehicles in a fleet know that proper maintenance and having an ability to track drivers and mileage are both critical components of maximizing the entire fleet efficiency. Increasing efficiency of hundreds of vehicles by only a few cents a mile can have incredible impact on a company’s bottom line. The great news is that just a few simple programs such as using gasoline cards for fuel purchase and keeping the vehicles in good repair can bring about those savings with a minimum of stress and hassle.

The basic maintenance program used with your fleet will vary depending on several factors. The amount of miles put on the vehicles per day, week, month or year is the biggest factor, but so is the type of driving conditions the vehicles are operated in. Routine maintenance for vehicles only driven short distances in cities and kept in garages when not in use is much different than for trucks out on the road for days at a time operating in all types of extreme weather conditions. Having different maintenance schedules for different types of vehicles is the first step in setting up a good repair and maintenance program.

Proper maintenance programs also include routine checks of the vehicles by the drivers. This is critical if the vehicles aren’t returned to a central garage or fleet center at the end of each day or week. If the vehicles do come back, service technicians at the shop or garage can check fluid levels, filters, tire pressure and other basics such as headlights, brake lights, signal lights and general condition of the engine and vehicle. If the drivers have to do this themselves then preparing a checklist that is done online or on paper and submitted on a set schedule can help in determining when more comprehensive service may be required.

Scheduling routine oil changes and engine checks is also important based on the mileage and type of vehicle. Diesel engines may require less frequent checks than gasoline engines, but both still need to be examined by someone that is trained to spot potential problems before they become major repairs. Using gasoline cards to track mileage through fuel purchases is a good way to know when to schedule a trip back to the fleet garage or to your selected service company.

Using fleet cards instead of simple gasoline cards will provide the driver with the option of having the repair or maintenance completed at a service company of your designation. This is a great option for over the road drivers that may not always be back near the home office or garage when routine maintenance schedules hit. When using the gasoline cards it is important that drivers keep log records of miles at fueling stops since the cards are not set up for this type of detailed recording.

Preventative maintenance on fleet vehicles by tracking mileage with gasoline cards is a cost saver over the long run. Vehicles will stay on the road long, have less down time in the repair shop and also hold their resale value better since they have been properly maintained throughout their use. All these factors combine to make this a very comprehensive yet low stress type of process for fleets of any size and combination of vehicles.

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With gas prices on the rise, moving and shipping goods via ground fleet is turning into a pricey proposition that many small and mid-sized business owners and managers can’t afford. Yet the real Catch 22 comes from the fact that other modes of shipping regionally and nationally – via train, air, or barge – are even pricier. The solution savvy business people are turning to in the fight to keep fleet costs down is to create or join a fueling network.  Networks can help save you time and prevent wasted or unnecessary costs by utilizing fleet gas cards. Learn what a fueling network can do for you by reading on.

A fueling network is essentially a set of pre-designated locations along a fleet’s typical route that offers a place for trucks and drivers to refuel quickly and get back on the road. It goes without saying that fueling networks, while they are meant to increase efficiency, are not meant to be substitutes for longer rest stops where drivers can get real rest. Road fatigue is a serious safety hazard for your drivers, your trucks, and other drivers that share the road with your fleet.

Fueling networks allow you to cut down on time and money lost at the non-essential refueling stops your fleet may require during their typical routes. Think about it: when your driver normally stops at a gas station, you have no idea how long they are spending there or what they are really spending. Some company gas cards allow drivers to put a variety of non-fuel items under the same total with the gas so it is challenging or impossible to decipher the exact total spent on sanctioned items.

Now, if you think about just one truck driver on one route over the course of one day, you might say that the cost of the extra fifteen or twenty minutes hanging around or the extra five dollars in road snacks isn’t really that big a deal. But when you multiply those twenty minutes and extra dollars by all your drivers on the road each day, which can add up to a mountain of wasted time and money by the end of the year – and as every savvy business person knows, time, especially when it comes to your fleet, is money.

So how do fueling networks help you solve this problem? They utilize special fleet fuel cards that are only usable at specific, predetermined fueling stations in the network on your driver’s route.  The real support comes from the fuel card itself: you have complete control over gallon and per fill limits and can create unique pins for each driver so you know who is linked to what purchases. With your card, you can even control what days of the week and what times of the day the card is active. Many fuel cards will now alert you via text message or email when the card is being used, where, for what purchase, for how many gallons, and what time.

There are many fuel networks already set up; you can join by visiting their websites and signing up. Many of them allow you to keep your current fleet fuel card provider and simply issue you updated cards. Or, you can create your own fuel network. There are several fuel card programs available that allow you to designate your own route, fuel providers, and requirement options. Remember, the number one way to improve your bottom line is to be vigilant and involved in the way your fleet is handling your business. You can’t literally go on the road with them, but with a fuel card you virtually can.

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If you want to keep your pickup truck in good working order then you need to check and change the oil on a regular basis. Here are the steps to do that if you own a Toyota Tacoma:

• Park your Toyota Tacoma on a flat surface. You want the oil to be level when you check it.
• Let the vehicle rest until it cools down. This helps the oil to drain properly and level out. Open the hood.
• Find the dipstick for checking the oil. Toyota Tacoma parts are easy to find. If you have a 4-cylinder then the dipstick is toward the front passenger side of the vehicle. If you have a 6-cylinder then it’s towards the front driver’s side. Look for the yellow handle on the dipstick to locate it easily.
• Pull the dipstick out and wipe off the oil. Use a rag.
• Insert the dipstick back where you found it and remove it again. When you pull it out, you’ll be able to read how full the oil is by looking at how much oil is on the dipstick. It should be somewhere between low and full but you want it closer to full.
• Add more oil if necessary. If it’s too low then simply add more. Make sure you use the right kind of oil.
• If it’s time change the oil then you have a decision to make. You can either get the Toyota OEM part that you need to change the oil yourself or you can take it to a shop and have it done.

Pretty simple, huh?

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Throughout immeasurable time, microorganisms evolved and accumulated remarkable physiological and functional heterogeneity, and now constitute the major reserve for genetic diversity on earth. Using metagenomics, namely genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples, this biogenetic diversification can be accessed without the need to cultivate cells. Accordingly, microbial communities and their metagenomes, isolated from biotopes with high turnover rates of recalcitrant biomass, such as lignocellulosic plant cell walls, have become a major resource for bioprospecting; furthermore, this material is a major asset in the search for new biocatalytics (enzymes) for various industrial processes, including the production of biofuels from plant feedstocks. However, despite the contributions from metagenomics technologies consequent upon the discovery of novel enzymes, this relatively new enterprise requires major improvements. In this review, we compare function-based metagenome screening and sequence-based metagenome data mining, discussing the advantages and limitations of both methods. We also describe the unusual enzymes discovered via metagenomics approaches, and discuss the future prospects for metagenome technologies.
By Luen Luen LiSean McCorkleSebastien MonchySafiyh TaghaviDaniel van der Lelie

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The Truck is a favorite when it comes to owning a reliable vehicle that can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you want to use a truck for commercial use at your job or just because need something to pull your boat or haul household items around, a truck can be your most valued possession. However, trucks can be a bit more expensive, have special licensing and insurance requirements. Often truck resellers take advantage of this when they are in the business of making money so it’s a “buyers beware” market. Here are some things to look out for when shopping for a used truck:

Truck Size

When shopping for a used truck, the most important thing to consider is how big of a truck you actually need to get the job done. If you will be hauling relatively light loads or small trailers, then a nice compact truck should work nicely for you. In contrast, if you have a large boat or equipment that will be pulled around on a consistent basis, then a larger model will be better. Keeping this in mind before walking into a used truck dealership should help prevent you from driving off with an overpriced full size truck that is more looks than functional for you- with the payments to show for it.

Engine and Fuel Usage

If you are looking for value for your truck purchase, you may be surprised to find that many compact trucks get the same mileage as cars. There are compact truck models that have 4, 6, and eight cylinder engines and automatic transmissions that will give you a good mileage per dollar investment. That’s in contrast to the larger 10 and diesel engines that full size trucks offer. Unless the dealership is giving you an excellent deal on the price to compensate for the lack of fuel economy, then it’s probably not worth it to buy a full size truck for everyday use.

Safety Equipment

Today’s trucks come loaded with the best in safety equipment like anti-lock brakes, drive train slippage prevention and air bags. Just like cars, the newer year trucks will offer you, your family or employees a higher safety rating than an older used truck. That’s especially important if you will be using the truck for family transportation or as part of a corporate fleet of vehicles. When purchasing a used truck, you may want to inquire as to the safety rating and ask about any safety equipment that it has before you decide to purchase it. That can save lives in the event of an accident.

Passenger Capacity/Interior

There are three basic styles when it comes to truck interiors. These include regular cab, extended cab and crew cabs. What that means is if you will need additional room inside the truck, such as for employees or family, you will need the type of cab space to accommodate that. Too many people have learned the hard way that it’s nearly impossible for the family to ride together in a regular cab truck that has a standard transmission stick in the middle of the front seat area. Try putting a car seat there and you’ll see how frustrating that can be. When buying a used truck, try to picture who will be riding in the truck on a regular basis and how much room you will actually need.

Towing Ability

People often buy trucks to handle touch hauling jobs like towing boats, work trailers or other equipment. These can be personal or work related so in order to get the best value on a used truck, its important to inquire as to the truck’s towing ability before you buy it. Here’s a range to keep in mind: Compact trucks can tow between 1-1.5 tons, full-size trucks can tow 4-5 tons depending on how they are equipped.

Buying a used truck doesn’t have to be a major headache if you know what you want and how much you should spend. Taking some time beforehand to research the different types of trucks and their available features will save you a great deal of time, money and trouble after the fact.

About the Author

Used cars Edmonton dealer providing a massive selection of used cars including Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep cars and trucks.

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By anutt

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If you bought a truck or SUV for hauling and cargo, do not worry. There are other truck accessories available for your vehicle.

1. Truck Racks – If you need to go somewhere with your bike, ATV, luggage, ladder, tools, or just extra junk but still need a vehicle to get to your destination, then it’s wise to install one on your vehicle. This is, of course, to protect your vehicle and your supplies. There are light weight models, and long or short racks to choose from for the perfect fit on your truck, SUV or car.

2. Cargo Carriers and Nets – This is best used for pick-up trucks. It keeps your stuff organized and you won’t have to worry about anything falling off.

3. Truck Ramps – According to your needs, you can get truck ramps in different styles. You can get folding aluminum, arc, bi-fold and tri-fold ramps. There are aluminum ramps and steel ramps, duraloaders, arched steel and standard models.

4. Cargo Securing – Install secure points for your cargo on your pick-up truck, including anchor points, tie downs, control rackets, retractable rackets, pocket anchor point, tow straps and universal anchoring system.

5. Suspensions – If you use your truck for heavy hauling, it’s best to get suspension stabilizers. It maintains a smooth ride for your pick-up truck and load and tow capacity of the truck at the same time. Suspension stabilizers also help prevent the easy and quick death of three things: your brakes, tires and suspension.

6. Towing Accessories – If you use your pick-up truck to tow stuff, then you’ll definitely need these accessories. Towing accessories include towing balls and mounts, towing hitch pins and clips, pintle hooks and tow hitch accessories.

7. Towing Electrical – Be sure to get these items along with the towing accessories: towing lights, tail light converters, brake controllers and wiring connectors.

8. Under Bed Systems – Choose between a double pivot fifth wheel hitch with or without glider or a fifth wheel glider without hitch.

9. Weight Distribution Hitches and Sway Control – These accessories will help distribute the weight of the cargo evenly on the entire length of the vehicle. It will improve handling and provide more control and stability of the vehicle while putting less strain on it, ensuring a smooth ride.

There are other truck accessories, however, that work hard to make sure that your vehicle will always give maximum performance from the inside.

1. Engine Oil Cooler Accessories and Engine Oil Coolers – Engine Oil Coolers will ensure that your engine does not overheat and will always promise you a smoother ride and longer life.

2. Electric Fans, Accessories and Thermostats – This is another way to make sure that the car is running smoothly without minimal danger of overheating.

3. Power Steering Coolers – Power Steering Coolers are used to extend the power steering pump, especially in road or street races. These coolers also reduce any heat related power steering pump failure.

4. Transmission Coolers – Transmission coolers are effective especially when your pick-up truck is used for hauling big stuff. It prevents transmission fluid from overheating. Spending money on transmission coolers is less expensive than having to go to the repair shop and spend lots of money on repairs.

In case of emergencies, it’s also best if you can be prepared with these additional items for your vehicle:

1. Consoles – You can choose between a dash mount or floor mount console to help you in emergencies. Your console just could save your life if you are ever stuck in the snow, or have a car accident that could strand you for days. Fill it with supplies and items you’ll need if you ever get suck on, or off, the roads.

2. Trunk Trays and Cargo Organizers – Trunk Trays and Cargo Organizers keep your stuff organized and in place. So that the next time you have an emergency, you won’t have to lose any time simply looking for the tools you’ll need.

3. Skid Plates – Protect the underside of your vehicle with these skid plates.

4. Emergency Lighting – There is nothing worse than getting stuck with a car emergency, except getting stuck with a car emergency in the dark. So stock up on those emergency lights and safety flare kits.

You don’t have to have a truck rack and other truck accessories, especially if you can’t afford them. But overall you can see that providing a little up front investment in your vehicle can provide you with safety and cost effectiveness over time.

About the Author

Andy West is a writer for Buy Auto Truck Accessories, an online retailer of the best SUV and truck accessories, bar none! Get a truck rack or some chrome accessories to go with your new truck or SUV. Visit BuyAutoTruckAccessories.com for more information!

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By andywest

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