For those who drive Camry hybrids, ever wonder what the word "Plasmacluster" means on the automatic climate control display?
Not found on any other Toyota vehicle in the line-up, this unique feature is only on the Camry hybrid model. The "Plasmacluster" is an ion generator that produces ions when the air conditioning is operating. These ions, emitted from the left driver's vent, attach to bacteria and virus making them heavier than air. These particles either fall on the floor or are trapped in the air filter behind the glove box when the "Recirc" mode is selected..
In the natural environment, ions can be found around water falls. These charged "ions" are natures way of cleaning the air.
So, occupants of the Camry hybrid benefit with a cleaner cabin environment and may even help those who have slight breathing issues. This cleaner interior may also fit the need for those who suffer through the allergy season. If you find it helps, Camry hybrid might be the vehicle for you.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Take the confusion out of 4 wheel drive!
Are you confused about 4 wheel drive terminology? Most people are. This is because of the different wording used by manufacturers such as AWD, Full time 4WD, Part time 4WD, Real time 4WD and the list goes on.
Lets' keep it simple. We'll break it into 2 basic categories:
1) Part Time is when the vehicle is shifted into 4 wheel drive mode only when needed.
2) Full Time is when the vehicle is can always be driven in 4 wheel drive mode.
Now interesting enough there are some vehicles in the market place that can have both available. In these vehicles, it is possible to select either mode, Part or Full Time depending on what the driver needs. In some cases, these vehicles can even switch between 2 or 4 wheel drive.
Part Time System:
Here's some examples, The 2009 Toyota Tundra and Tacoma are Part Time 4 wheel drive vehicles. Even SUV's such as the FJ Cruiser (automatic transmission model) use a part time 4 wheel drive. For normal driving, the vehicles are driven in 2-wheel drive. They have a transfer case that allows the trucks to switch from 2 to 4 wheel drive (only when required). However when engaged in 4WD mode, because there is no center differential, the drive line is solid between the front and rear differentials. With no center differential, the solid drive line will bind on turning which creates a jack rabbit hopping affect. The reason this happpens is due to the fact that the front wheels travel further than the rear wheels causing binding between the front and rear differentials, like twisting a solid pipe.
So if you are on dry pavement, the tires do not turn freely, so they slip and grip on the surface causing this jerking motion. This is very hard on the drive train and could cause excessive wear and even damage the drive train. Use only when needed, thus a part time system.
Full Time System:
The Full Time system usually has a center differential. The system is in 4 wheel drive mode and power is distributed smoothly to the 4 drive wheels. A transfer case houses a center differential which allows the vehicle to make turns without having any binding in the drive line. Power is allowed to flow freely between the front and rear differentials which results in a smooth transition of engine power to the wheels.
An example of a full time vehicle would be the 2009 Toyota Sienna van or the 2009 Highlander (gas model). Other SUV's that adopt a permanently engaged full time system are the 4Runner (4.7L V8) and the FJ cruise with the 6 speed manual transmission.
Multi-Mode Part and Full Time:
A Multi-Mode allows the driver to select 2 or 4 wheel drive as well either full time or part time 4 wheel drive. A switch from 2 to 4 wheel drive can usually be done on the fly up to certain speeds (as much as approx 100 km/hr) as per the manufacturer.
Generally when the vehicle is shifted into 4 wheel drive, the normal default mode is full time 4 wheel. This allows the vehicle to be driven on the road and on any surface, due to the torsen-limited slip center differential.
In 4-wheel drive high mode (4Hi) power is sent to both the front and rear differentials through a Torsen® torque sensing center differential. In normal driving circumstances 40% of the power is sent to the front axle and 60% is sent to the rear. This provides good handling balance.
If wheels slip occurs up to 70% 0f the power can be directed to the rear wheels, or up to 53% can be directed to the front axle depending on the available traction.
In order to select the part time mode on some vehicles, the driver must activate the center differential lock switch button (usually with the vehicle stopped)and this locks the center differential. The locked center differential now becomes a solid drive train component which causes the drive system between the front and rear differentials to turn at the same speed. In this case, the vehicle will experience the jack rabbit type jerking when turning on a drive surface such as dry pavement. The harder the turn the more severe the jerking affect.
Some models that use the multi-mode system are the 2009 4Runner (V6 4.0L engine) and Sequoia.
Last but not least, there is the On-Demand 4WD. This system is like it states, normally it is 2 wheel drive unless the vehicle is under acceleration or load, which will then engage the rear wheels to assist driving as required. In this group, a viscous coupling or computer controlled multi-clutch system is activated.
Models that come to mind are the RAV4 and the new Venza with its electronically activated torque control system. Even the Matrix AWD adopts such a system.
Another unique on-demand 4WD vehicle in this category is the Highlander hybrid, that uses an electric motor bolted to the rear differential that powers the rear wheels. This on-demand system supplies electric power proportionantely to the rear motor as required to drive the rear wheels. More power under heavy acceleration and less under light acceleration.
In summary; with on demand type systems, there is usually no driver input required as it happens automatically. Some systems have a 4wd lock button that can temporarily be put into 4wd mode for low speed use, such as the 2009 RAV4.
So what is AWD (all wheel drive)? It is usually a full time or on-demand version depending on the manufacturer. For example, the Sienna is an AWD and the Highlander is 4WD but they are both full time 4 wheel drive systems.
We hope this artice sheds some light on the mystery of 4 wheel drive.
This article is strictly the views of the editor, who is a licensed technician, with over 40 years of experience associated with the auto industry.
Lets' keep it simple. We'll break it into 2 basic categories:
1) Part Time is when the vehicle is shifted into 4 wheel drive mode only when needed.
2) Full Time is when the vehicle is can always be driven in 4 wheel drive mode.
Now interesting enough there are some vehicles in the market place that can have both available. In these vehicles, it is possible to select either mode, Part or Full Time depending on what the driver needs. In some cases, these vehicles can even switch between 2 or 4 wheel drive.
Part Time System:
Here's some examples, The 2009 Toyota Tundra and Tacoma are Part Time 4 wheel drive vehicles. Even SUV's such as the FJ Cruiser (automatic transmission model) use a part time 4 wheel drive. For normal driving, the vehicles are driven in 2-wheel drive. They have a transfer case that allows the trucks to switch from 2 to 4 wheel drive (only when required). However when engaged in 4WD mode, because there is no center differential, the drive line is solid between the front and rear differentials. With no center differential, the solid drive line will bind on turning which creates a jack rabbit hopping affect. The reason this happpens is due to the fact that the front wheels travel further than the rear wheels causing binding between the front and rear differentials, like twisting a solid pipe.
So if you are on dry pavement, the tires do not turn freely, so they slip and grip on the surface causing this jerking motion. This is very hard on the drive train and could cause excessive wear and even damage the drive train. Use only when needed, thus a part time system.
Full Time System:
The Full Time system usually has a center differential. The system is in 4 wheel drive mode and power is distributed smoothly to the 4 drive wheels. A transfer case houses a center differential which allows the vehicle to make turns without having any binding in the drive line. Power is allowed to flow freely between the front and rear differentials which results in a smooth transition of engine power to the wheels.
An example of a full time vehicle would be the 2009 Toyota Sienna van or the 2009 Highlander (gas model). Other SUV's that adopt a permanently engaged full time system are the 4Runner (4.7L V8) and the FJ cruise with the 6 speed manual transmission.
Multi-Mode Part and Full Time:
A Multi-Mode allows the driver to select 2 or 4 wheel drive as well either full time or part time 4 wheel drive. A switch from 2 to 4 wheel drive can usually be done on the fly up to certain speeds (as much as approx 100 km/hr) as per the manufacturer.
Generally when the vehicle is shifted into 4 wheel drive, the normal default mode is full time 4 wheel. This allows the vehicle to be driven on the road and on any surface, due to the torsen-limited slip center differential.
In 4-wheel drive high mode (4Hi) power is sent to both the front and rear differentials through a Torsen® torque sensing center differential. In normal driving circumstances 40% of the power is sent to the front axle and 60% is sent to the rear. This provides good handling balance.
If wheels slip occurs up to 70% 0f the power can be directed to the rear wheels, or up to 53% can be directed to the front axle depending on the available traction.
In order to select the part time mode on some vehicles, the driver must activate the center differential lock switch button (usually with the vehicle stopped)and this locks the center differential. The locked center differential now becomes a solid drive train component which causes the drive system between the front and rear differentials to turn at the same speed. In this case, the vehicle will experience the jack rabbit type jerking when turning on a drive surface such as dry pavement. The harder the turn the more severe the jerking affect.
Some models that use the multi-mode system are the 2009 4Runner (V6 4.0L engine) and Sequoia.
Last but not least, there is the On-Demand 4WD. This system is like it states, normally it is 2 wheel drive unless the vehicle is under acceleration or load, which will then engage the rear wheels to assist driving as required. In this group, a viscous coupling or computer controlled multi-clutch system is activated.
Models that come to mind are the RAV4 and the new Venza with its electronically activated torque control system. Even the Matrix AWD adopts such a system.
Another unique on-demand 4WD vehicle in this category is the Highlander hybrid, that uses an electric motor bolted to the rear differential that powers the rear wheels. This on-demand system supplies electric power proportionantely to the rear motor as required to drive the rear wheels. More power under heavy acceleration and less under light acceleration.
In summary; with on demand type systems, there is usually no driver input required as it happens automatically. Some systems have a 4wd lock button that can temporarily be put into 4wd mode for low speed use, such as the 2009 RAV4.
So what is AWD (all wheel drive)? It is usually a full time or on-demand version depending on the manufacturer. For example, the Sienna is an AWD and the Highlander is 4WD but they are both full time 4 wheel drive systems.
We hope this artice sheds some light on the mystery of 4 wheel drive.
This article is strictly the views of the editor, who is a licensed technician, with over 40 years of experience associated with the auto industry.
Monday, August 3, 2009
What Compact Car Gets the Best Fuel Economy?
Many Canadians consider fuel economy as part of their buying decision process and this is especially true when fuel prices are high. To assist you in your selection, you can access the Canadian government Energuide website for this information based on their testing. The website is http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/buying/energuide-label.cfm?attr=8
If your looking for a more realistic fuel economy number, here's some results from "Canadian Driver" that were conducted. With each vehicle getting 50 litres of fuel, they were driven until they ran out of fuel.
The winner of 13 competitors was the Toyota Corolla that travelled a distance of 1017 kilometres on 50 litres (4.9L/100km). A close second was the Honda Civic at 947 kilometres.5.3 L/100km). Final 3rd place went to the Pontiac Vibe with a distance of 854 kilometres (5.9L/100km).
For complete details, check the Canadian Driver website: http://www.canadiandriver.com/2008/06/23/special-feature-2008-canadiandriver-50-litre-challenge.htm
Compact cars might be another short term alternative to hybrid vehicles. Something to consider.
If your looking for a more realistic fuel economy number, here's some results from "Canadian Driver" that were conducted. With each vehicle getting 50 litres of fuel, they were driven until they ran out of fuel.
The winner of 13 competitors was the Toyota Corolla that travelled a distance of 1017 kilometres on 50 litres (4.9L/100km). A close second was the Honda Civic at 947 kilometres.5.3 L/100km). Final 3rd place went to the Pontiac Vibe with a distance of 854 kilometres (5.9L/100km).
For complete details, check the Canadian Driver website: http://www.canadiandriver.com/2008/06/23/special-feature-2008-canadiandriver-50-litre-challenge.htm
Compact cars might be another short term alternative to hybrid vehicles. Something to consider.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Great website on hybrid reviews
There are plenty of websites to look at when checking out what car you should buy next. One that I enjoy reviewing is Canadian driver. It tends to look at our Canadian driving environment compared to those from the US.
If your looking at buying a hybrid, here's a site on winter driving with a hybrid. http://www.canadiandriver.com/2008/02/06/auto-tech-hybrids-in-winter.htm
For example, hybrids will use more fuel in the winter as the gas engine tends to run more frequently to keep the interior cabin warm. Depending on your winter driving habits, you may only notice a small difference in fuel economy between a hybrid and a comparable gas only model.
If your daily trips are approx 20 minutes in length or less, the hybrid may not be fuel efficient enough to offset the higher premium paid for a hybrid. But if you travel south for the winter or live in Vancouver, it now changes the picture and hybrid might be the answer. Of course all these assumptions are based on the type of hybrid, premium difference and fuel prices along with your yearly mileage and driving habits. Remember there is a difference between a mild and full hybrids. Toyota is a leader in hybrid technology with the new 2010 Prius that now gets an excellent Fuel Consumption Rating*.
City / Highway / Combined L / 100km / mpg
3.7 (76) / 4.0 (71) / 3.8 (74).
* These estimates are based on the Government of Canada's approved criteria and testing methods. The actual fuel consumption of this vehicle may vary. Refer to the Government of Canada publication EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide.
Other aspects, you will want to consider is maintenance costs. For example, on some hybrids, brake maintenance costs will be lower due to the electric hybrid components used in slowing the vehicle. Brake life extends dramatically on these models. So again ask your dealer about this as it could save you thousands of dollars over the vehicles lifetime.
Finally there is a difference in driving a hybrid to consider. For those with a heavy foot, large gas engine models ruled in the past, however many hybrid models are using more powerful electric motors that boosts power off the line will still be able to switch back to fuel savings. For those who like a smoother acceleration, many hybrids with the CVT type transmissions may be your choice. The new 2020 Prius has adopted a larger 1.8L engine and more powerful electric motor while improving fuel economy.
Lots to think about.
If your looking at buying a hybrid, here's a site on winter driving with a hybrid. http://www.canadiandriver.com/2008/02/06/auto-tech-hybrids-in-winter.htm
For example, hybrids will use more fuel in the winter as the gas engine tends to run more frequently to keep the interior cabin warm. Depending on your winter driving habits, you may only notice a small difference in fuel economy between a hybrid and a comparable gas only model.
If your daily trips are approx 20 minutes in length or less, the hybrid may not be fuel efficient enough to offset the higher premium paid for a hybrid. But if you travel south for the winter or live in Vancouver, it now changes the picture and hybrid might be the answer. Of course all these assumptions are based on the type of hybrid, premium difference and fuel prices along with your yearly mileage and driving habits. Remember there is a difference between a mild and full hybrids. Toyota is a leader in hybrid technology with the new 2010 Prius that now gets an excellent Fuel Consumption Rating*.
City / Highway / Combined L / 100km / mpg
3.7 (76) / 4.0 (71) / 3.8 (74).
* These estimates are based on the Government of Canada's approved criteria and testing methods. The actual fuel consumption of this vehicle may vary. Refer to the Government of Canada publication EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide.
Other aspects, you will want to consider is maintenance costs. For example, on some hybrids, brake maintenance costs will be lower due to the electric hybrid components used in slowing the vehicle. Brake life extends dramatically on these models. So again ask your dealer about this as it could save you thousands of dollars over the vehicles lifetime.
Finally there is a difference in driving a hybrid to consider. For those with a heavy foot, large gas engine models ruled in the past, however many hybrid models are using more powerful electric motors that boosts power off the line will still be able to switch back to fuel savings. For those who like a smoother acceleration, many hybrids with the CVT type transmissions may be your choice. The new 2020 Prius has adopted a larger 1.8L engine and more powerful electric motor while improving fuel economy.
Lots to think about.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Toyota 2010 Pruis - New A/C Button on Key Fob
Wow, Imagine sitting in your office in Los Angeles and hitting an A/C button on your key fob to cool your car. That's one new feature that is offered on the New 2010 Prius. It runs the electric air conditioning for only a short period of time to cool the car. What will Toyota think of next. A great feature...
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