New Tire Technologies Inflating Safety for Truckers

Truckers face a lot of pressure on the road. They have deadlines to meet and customers to greet. But, that pressure can be deflated by tire problems - and that’s not the kind of deflation truckers want or need. Under-inflation costs the trucking industry some $2,200 per year per truck. And, that doesn’t include the lost fuel due to rolling resistance inefficiencies. Here’s where a new technology can help.

The Aperia Halo

The Aperia Halo is an ingenious device that attaches to the center of the truck’s wheel Inside of it is a pump that captures energy from a pendulum that swings inside, synchronized to the wheel’s rotation. It’s that tire rotation that produces the pumping action that inflates the tires when needed. An internal sensor detects tire pressure to ensure that tires are always inflated to the proper pressure.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has previously reported that more than half of all truck tires are underinflated, driving up maintenance costs by at least 10 percent. Each system that’s attached to a tire is good for about 500,000 miles, meaning that trucking companies can greatly reduce their tire-related costs.

How Tire Inflation Systems Help Save Money

Aperia Halo isn’t the only device on the market that helps inflate tires when they’re low. Other systems attach differently, are located behind the tire, or use the axle as the source of the air and pressure. But, in all cases, these systems help to reduce the regular maintenance on the trucks as they make cross-country journeys.

Truckers don’t have to stop to check tire pressure, they won’t suffer as many blowouts, and they won’t be stuck on the side of the road for hours waiting for a tow truck or replacing the tire. That means trucking companies can make more shipments on time, save more money on overstock, and save money on additional pay for non-productive work by truckers.

Preventing Accidents

Another benefit of these tire pressure monitoring and autofill systems is that they reduce the risk of accidents. When a truck is on the road, there’s always the risk that an underinflated tire will blow out. Attorneys, like Keith Kofsky, see this kind of thing all the time. Accidents happen, and that’s also how accident and injury lawsuits happen. Trucking companies can save themselves potentially hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, with a simple tire-inflating device.

Disadvantages

With all of the benefits, what’s not to love? Well, one of the disadvantages of these systems is that they do not take air out of the tire. If tires are inflated, and the truck’s elevation or temperature changes (as it’s traveling through different states), the tires may end up becoming overinflated as the PSI increases due to heat generated inside of the tire.

This usually results in a 2 PSI increase for every 10-degree change in temperature.

Should Trucking Companies Employ This Technology

The cost-benefit discussion is an important one to have. But, on the whole, it’s usually worth the additional cost. Since trucking companies spend thousands of dollars per truck right now on tire inflation problems, upgrading the system immediately will permanently and immediately end those additional costs.

Keith Kofsky, Esq, has advocated for the victims of auto accidents for over 30 years. One of his goals is to educate people to help them drive safely. You can find his helpful articles on many websites online.

Continue Reading | comments

Four Most Popular Mahindra SUVs

Mahindra & Mahindra limited has been manufacturing world class SUVs in India since years. The company has deep penetration in the Indian market and understands it really well. It reigns the SUV market in India will almost 50% market share with various models. Here is a look at the 4 most Popular MahindraSUV Cars in India

Mahindra Scorpio- Since its launch in 2002, Scorpio has been an extremely popular and successful SUV in the Indian market. It has undergone various upgrades and advancements in terms of technology to retain its market share and the admiration of buyers. It comes in variants ranging from 7.8 lakhs to 13.5 lakhs. It has a tough, masculine exterior with interiors featuring fire resistant upholstery, seating that conforms to body pressure points and a host of anti-theft features. At its heart it has the powerful mHawk2.2L 4-cylinder diesel engine and revolutionary micro-hybrid technology. It is now the first BS IV car that follows the strict emission norms.

Mahindra Bolero-This SUV was first launched in India in August 2000. It has been the bestselling SUV for years. It is extremely popular in rural markets because of its extraordinary off-roading capabilities and power-packed 2523 m2DiCR engine. It comes in both BS III and BS IV complying models which makes it fuel efficient and environment friendly. Bolero has an extremely aggressive looking exterior design, more do with the new hawk-eye headlights. Interiors spell style and class with technologies like digital display, child lock, voice messaging systems and power windows. Bolero falls in the price range of Rs. 5.6 to 7.8 lakhs.

Mahindra XUV500-First manufactured in 2011, XUV500 has garnered much appreciation for its international styling and top-notch gadgetry. This beast runs on a 2.2-litre, 140bhp, mHawk diesel engine similar to Mahindra Scorpio. Mahindra recently showcased a Hybrid version of this SUV which will be highly fuel efficient.The exterior looks of it has been styled inspired by cheetah and comes loaded with high-end features like touchscreen entertainment system and fully automatic air conditioning. The interiors are tastefully done with rich and elite materials. Mahindra XUV500 spells comfort, performance, modernity and convenience.Price for this stylish SUV ranges from 12 to 15 lakh.

Mahindra Thar- Carrying the looks of a classic jeep, Mahindra Thar is made to stand on any kind of terrain. It was launched in India in 2010 after tasting success in foreign markets. Mahindra TharCRDe is powered by a 2.5L engine. It happens to be the first BS IV CRDe diesel engine. It is meant to be an adventure vehicle and uses LSVP brakes to prevent loss of control and great shock absorbing capabilities. For those who love retro styling, Mahindra Thar is a perfect vehicle with its signature jeep headlights, sturdy body, rectangular front glass and removable top. It has minimalistic and raw-looking interiors retaining the classic feel. Seating is comfortable with ample legroom. It comes in a price range of 4.8 lakhs to 7.3 lakh.

Apart from these stunning SUVs Mahindra also hosts models like Mahindra Quanto, Mahindra Rexton and Mahindra Kryon. Mahindra is committed to excellence and has delivered a range of successful SUVs with various technological advancements for Indian markets and continues to do so. For more details about cars & bikes logon to autoportal.com & bikeportal.in.

Continue Reading | comments

Mercedes continue to dominate during testing

Mercedes followed up their impressive one-two finish in Bahrain by dominating Day One of Formula 1’s return to full in-season testing at Sakhir, with Nico Rosberg setting the pace during his 121 completed laps. Apart from a one-off test at Mugello in 2012, Formula 1 has had a ban on full in-season testing outside of race weekends since the end of the 2008 season, but those rules have been changed to allow four two-day testing runs throughout this season.

Bahrain is the first venue to host the in-season testing and it was little surprise to see Mercedes continue their stunning start to the season that sees them favourites with Betfair to dominate F1 this season. Following on from his thrilling second place finish on the Sunday behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton, in a race that had Betfair fans to-ing and fro-ing throughout the race, it was Nico Rosberg that set the pace with a lap of 1:35.697 on a track Mercedes have looked comfortable on all weekend.

Force India, who had an encouraging and deserved third and fifth finish in Bahrain, were Mercedes’ closest challengers again on the track at Sakhir, with Nico Hulkenberg coming in ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and McLaren Kevin Magnussen in an 11-car line-up on the first of the two days of testing in Bahrain.

After a fairly dismal opening three races of the season, this testing comes at a particularly good time for Ferrari. Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen struggled to disappointing ninth and tenth place finishes in Bahrain – despite both being tipped by Betfair punters to be challenging much higher up the grid.

The Italian team used the testing session as a chance to use sizeable aero-measuring devices on the mis-firing F14 T and used their 69 laps to work on electronic configuration tuning and set-up work. Alonso completed a series of shorter runs later in the session, during which he clocked his best 1:36.626 time to climb ahead of Magnussen, but it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will be in the minds of Betfair visitors heading into the Chinese Grand Prix.

Continue Reading | comments

The Whole Package: 5 Perks of Cruising in a Crossover Vehicle

Crossover vehicles are the dark horse of the automobile industry. Minivans had their day, but soccer moms demand more. Actually, soccer dads are probably demanding more too. With automakers' recent struggles, it's amazing that anyone is buying anything anymore. It used to be that SUVs were the go-to vehicle for families. The problem is that, while SUVs have size, they don't have fuel efficiency and they also aren't always comfortable.

Enter, the crossover. It's a mix between a car and an SUV, and it has many of the attributes of a minivan without the stigma of "mom jeans."

They're Stylish Now

Styling isn't always the most important factor, but no one really wants to drive around in a box or something that looks like it came from the '70s. Car manufacturers are keen to the importance of style, and have updated it in their new offerings. They're also experimenting on consumers. Some companies are making their crossovers smaller than the previous market standard. Others are testing the idea of larger vehicles. What does this mean for you? It means more choice.

They're Better With Gasoline

Old SUVs used to get 13 MPG, but that just won't do today. gas prices are rising, and they might keep going in that direction if oil refining doesn't pick up soon. On the other hand, if you need to tow a boat behind you, the old crossovers can't "man up" to the job.

Today's crossovers offer more power, yet they're easier on your wallet at the pump. Part of the innovations here come from a switch to more conservative engine sizes. The Toyota RAV-4 is a 4-cylinder that boasts 22MGP in the city and 28MPG on the highway. The company's Highlander Hybrid mates an electric engine with a traditional gasoline one, and achieves 280 horsepower with an EPA rating of 28 MPG on the open road.

There Are Lots of Extras

Gone are the days of crank windows and no A/C. Even with SUVs, you had to sacrifice some of the creature comforts. But, with the new generation crossovers, you actually get as many options as you do with cars. For example, the Chevy Traverse has a towing capacity of 5,200 lbs. That's enough to tow just about anything except a semi.

All-wheel-drive is another important feature than manufacturers are adding to many of these vehicles. When you look at the Outback vs Forester, you suddenly realize that both are good choices, and one of the reasons why is because the manufacturer has gotten smart about what will be important to a family - namely, safety. And, there are few recent technological innovations that are safer than AWD.

The Third Row

Unlike being the third wheel in a group of friends, there's nothing social awkward about having a third row in a vehicle. In fact, having one makes it a lot easier to transport kids - even ones that aren't yours. And, that's a reality in today's world. You trade off taking kids to soccer or baseball or whatever. You might also arrange play dates or take your kid's friends out with you.

Robert Navarro is a car connoisseur with a passion for innovation and practicality. When not researching trends and auto tech, he enjoys blogging about the ins and outs of the industry.

Continue Reading | comments

Ecclestone says double the points for the last three F1 races

Formula 1’s boss Bernie Ecclestone has said he wishes to go even further with his already controversial double-points system by extending it to the final three races of the F1 season.

This has gone down like a lead balloon with most constructors and drivers. The new scheme had already been brought in for the last grand prix of the forthcoming season in Abu Dhabi. But now Ecclestone wants to add in the previous two grands prix in America and Brazil.

This really puts the cat amongst the pigeons for the betting market – particularly when you consider the sweeping changes now required for the F1 new season. And it could spell good news for those of us who like to spice things up a little with a wager.

Of course, the new suggestion to make all three races double is an attempt to keep this interesting for as long as possible in the drivers’ championship race. In this way, it’s testament to the dominance of Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel. The Red Bull German ace had won two of the last three F1 drivers’ championships with three or more races remaining.

But things could be very different this year and the points system changes could make it even more so. So if you’re looking for a punt on a Formula One season bet on an outsider – now seems the ideal time to do it because frankly – anything is possible under the new technical regulations and potential points system.

If ever a team was going to end Red Bull’s dominance, this is the big chance to do it – yet Vettel still dominates the betting with the world’s largest betting exchange, Betfair. This seems to make little sense – so it’s time to pick out a lively outsider thanks to Ecclestone’s changes.

Continue Reading | comments