CAR REVIEWS

10/18/2007

Woodburner Basics

There are many different types of solid fuel burning appliances available:

Types of Woodburners

Circulating and radiant
Woodburning furnaces
Pellet burning stoves
Fireplace inserts or hearth stoves

Safety requirements will vary by the type of unit you choose. Generally, factory-built woodburners that are tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory are superior to homemade units because of better construction, design, materials and testing.

One of the more popular types is a pellet-burning stove. The fuel (the pellets) is made from compressed waste material such as sawdust. These units have the same concerns as woodburning appliances and the same precautions should be taken.

Before you buy

Before buying, take time to do some planning. Contact your local fire department and/or building code officials to inquire about local ordinances on woodburning and other solid fuel burning appliances. Also, determine if a permit is necessary before you install such a unit.

wood stove When looking for appliances, look for one that shows quality craftsmanship, has tight-fitting doors and a detailed operating manual.

Also check to see if your unit is listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. There is a difference between being tested and being listed. Testing simply means the unit was tested, listed means the unit was tested and passed using the appropriate national standards from Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Examples of nationally recognized testing laboratories that test and list solid fuel burning appliances include:

Applied Research Labs (arl-test.com)
Canadian Standards Association (csa-international.org)
Omni Environmental Services (omni-test.com)
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (ul.com)
Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ulc.ca)
Intertek ETL SEMKO (intertek-etlsemko.com)

Appliances made after October 1983 must have a label providing safety-related information. This label is required by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and provides information about the placement and use of the unit.

Placement of the Woodburner

The proper placement of a woodburner is critical. Have a qualified heating contractor experienced with woodburners and solid fuel burning appliances install your unit.

If your community does not have an ordinance covering these types of units, make sure your unit is installed to meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard #211. NFPA #211 is the nationally recognized standard for chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel burning appliances.

Be especially careful to follow clearance requirements. Improper clearances are often cited as a cause of appliance-related fires. A few NFPA requirements are:

A minimum 36-inch clearance to combustible materials, including walls, on all sides of a freestanding woodburner with no label or other manufacturer instructions. Clearance requirements are different for other types of appliances, such as furnaces and pellet burning appliances.
Even when approved and UL listed wall protection is used, clearances to a combustible wall should never be less than 12 inches.
Floors with wood, carpet, linoleum and other combustible coverings must have a floor protector underneath, in front of, to the sides and to the rear of the heat-producing appliance.
Floor protectors should meet the heating appliance manufacturer's requirements, be listed by a recognized testing laboratory and extend at least 18 inches on all sides of the heater, unless the manufacturer states otherwise.
Clearances between the stovepipe and combustible materials should be at least 18 inches.

Learn More

The information contained on this website was obtained from various sources। We believe it to be reliable and accurate. We, however, do not warrant the accuracy nor reliability of the information contained here-in. Further, State Farm® makes no guarantees of results from use of information contained herein. We assume no liability in connection with either the information contained in this publication nor the loss control suggestions made. Moreover, we would caution that it cannot be assumed that every acceptable loss control procedure is contained in this publication. Obviously, abnormal or unusual circumstances may require further or additional procedures.
(www.statefarm.com)

9/26/2007

Car Insurance Shopping Tips

Savvy consumers know it pays to do the legwork and shop around for car insurance. Considering prices for a six-month policy can vary greatly between companies, why not take the time to compare rates for several companies? To help you in your quest for car insurance, we've compiled a few tips that can help you save money and make the right choices for your situation.

Before you get started, review your insurance coverages and keep your auto policy on hand to make fair comparisons to your current coverage. Then start shopping. Visit insurance Web sites and insurance agents/brokers and get quotes. Following are a few more shopping tips.

Learn the Lingo

Do you know whether or not you need PIP coverage? Can you explain BI or PD coverage? Before you buy, learn the basic auto insurance lingo — it can help you make coverage decisions that are right for you. Visit our insurance definitions section and expand your knowledge now!

Stay with a Leader

Visit A.M. Best, Moody's Investor Service, and Standard & Poor's for information on the financial strength of various car insurance companies and what benefits and features they offer.

Enhance Your Experience

For 24/7 customer and claims service and the ability to manage your policy and pay your bills online, you need a company that can do more than simply provide a car insurance quote on its Web site. Visit progressive.com to see how much online control and access you have with Progressive

9/18/2007

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Preview

Toyota injects some overdue style into its popular hybrid crossover by Thom Blackett

What it Is

Toyota Highlander Preview – Chicago Auto Show: While executives and board members at other companies have been twiddling their thumbs, straddling the fence on whether or not to build a hybrid model, Toyota is busy unveiling the second generation of one its three hybrid vehicles, the 2008 Highlander Hybrid. It joins the Prius, also in its second generation, and the Camry Hybrid. Due to arrive in September, the new Highlander Hybrid promises 270 horsepower from an advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system, up to 31 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, standard four-wheel drive with intelligence, and a choice of Base or Limited designations.

Why it Matters

Toyota claims that since its debut, the Highlander Hybrid has been a good seller, attracting more than 31,000 buyers in 2006 and helping the brand capture 67 percent of the U.S. hybrid market. That’s great, but Toyota’s own data suggest that the next Highlander needs to be larger and more powerful. Hence, gas and hybrid versions will be larger and will boast 270 horsepower. This is especially significant since it not only puts a fresh, more competitive crossover in Toyota’s fleet, but it also marks the introduction of one of the market’s largest mainstream hybrid models. With its enlarged dimensions and impressive power ratings, the 2008 Highlander Hybrid rises above competitors such as the Ford Escape Hybrid.

What’s Under the हुड

The 2008 Highlander Hybrid draws power from an advanced version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the same technology used in the Prius and Camry Hybrid. In this application, the system incorporates a 3.3-liter V6 engine with the electric motor and battery pack for a combined horsepower rating of 270 (torque figures are not available). An electronic continuously-variable automatic transmission directs power to all four 19-inch wheels in cooperation with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system (4WD-i). In comparison, the 2007 Highlander Hybrid offered 268 horsepower and was available in both front- and four-wheel-drive versions.

What it Looks like

Well, one thing’s obvious – the 2008 Toyota Highlander has grown. In fact, the redesign resulted in an extra three inches in the wheelbase, a one-inch higher ground clearance, four inches of added body length, and three inches of newly-developed width. On the scales, all that extra Highlander equals another 500 pounds of curb weight, though it also translates into more than 12 cubic feet of added interior volume. Outside, sculpted wheel flares, a new front fascia, and 19-inch alloy wheels lend the new Highlander a more pronounced and aggressive appearance. Likewise, the tail has been reworked with restyled, wedged lamps and a redesigned fascia with integrated lower lenses. The interior is accented by pronounced gauges, soft shapes, and large control dials.

What’s Inside

Inside the 2008 Toyota Highlander’s all-new and larger interior are features buyers are sure to appreciate. Among them are seven standard airbags, including side-curtains spanning all three rows and a driver’s knee airbag; a rear-view camera that can be ordered separate from the navigation system; and a keyless entry and ignition system. Other interesting items include a rear DVD system with a nine-inch monitor, and a Bluetooth-capable JBL audio system. Another neat feature is the second row Center Stow seat – when used, it connects two bucket seats to create one bench, but when not used it can be packed under the front center console, allowing for a storage spot or walk-through area to the third row.

What Toyota Says

According to Don Esmond, Toyota’s senior vice president of automotive operations, “Highlander holds a unique distinction within the Toyota brand and within the industry. Along with the 4Runner and FJ Cruiser, it anchors one of the industry’s only three-vehicle, midsize SUV lineups. Equally important, along with Prius and Camry Hybrid, it is a key component of the industry’s only three-vehicle hybrid strategy.” Esmond goes on to say, “The 2008 Highlander takes the car-based SUV concept to a new level. I say that with conviction, because it’s a category we invented. As you can see, the new Highlander has raised the bar significantly.”

What We Think

You’re tired of hearing it, and we’re tired of writing it, but the fact remains – fluctuating and generally higher gas prices are affecting what we all consider when it comes trade-in time. It’s at that point when we face a dilemma – sacrifice space and performance for economy or take a significant hit whenever the fuel gauge reads empty. However, Toyota seeks to fill that void with the 2008 Highlander Hybrid, a sizeable crossover with added visual appeal, an interior chock-full of desirable features, and a 270-horsepower gas/electric powertrain under its skin. That should satisfy countless prospective buyers, but we’ll wait for pricing and more realistic 2008 EPA fuel economy figures before jumping for joy.

Photos courtesy of Toyota and Thom Blackett

(www.car.com)

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Preview

Toyota injects some overdue style into its popular hybrid crossover by Thom Blackett

What it Is

Why it Matters

What’s Under the Hood

What it Looks Like

What’s Inside

What Toyota Says

What We Think

Photos courtesy of Toyota and Thom Blackett

2008 Toyota Auris Preview

What it Is

New Cars: Toyota Corolla Preview – What you’re looking at here is the new Toyota Auris, as shown at the 2006 Paris Auto Show and otherwise known as the new Toyota Corolla hatchback – maybe – for the 2008 model year. Already debuted in Japan, the new Corolla promises to be bigger, more stylish and powerful than the outgoing model. There will also be an emphasis on safety. The Auris, for example, will probably come equipped with nine airbags and a slew of brake-and-motion safeguards like ABS, Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

Why it Matters

Basically, it’s all about competing with the Civic, and to do that, the Corolla must be stylish, roomy, safe and efficient. Judging from these photos, Toyota has at least got the styling correct.

What's Under the hud

Engine-wise, the current 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine doesn’t quite match up to the Civic’s 140-horsepower unit, so perhaps we’ll see an upgrade to the 2.4-liter four-banger – making around 160 horsepower, or the Corolla XRS’ 1.8-liter rev-monster. Rumors also persist about a Corolla Hybrid variant to compete with Honda’s stated intent to debut a hybrid vehicle that’s smaller and more affordable than the Civic Hybrid.

What we Think

If the new Corolla hatchback looks like this Auris, we think it's another hit for Toyota. As to the sedan, time and a flight to Detroit just may tell what Toyota has in store. Check back here for more detail if – or when – the Corolla debuts।

(www.car.com)

9/14/2007

2008 Toyota Highlander Preview

What it Is

2008 Toyota Highlander - 2007 Chicago Auto Show Preview: Smart in, strong out. That’s a tagline Toyota is using with one of its new rides, but if you’re thinking it’s the newly-brawny Tundra, think again. It refers to the 2008 Highlander. That’s right, Toyota is aiming to associate strength with a model based on the Camry/Avalon platform, albeit one available with four-wheel drive. However, Toyota cites data which suggest that Highlander owners and prospective buyers want added size and power, so when the 2008 Highlander arrives in July it will sport 270 horsepower, added size in nearly every measurable dimension, a host of clever and desirable interior features, and a markedly muscular appearance.

Why it Matters

Since its debut for the 2001 model year, the Highlander has been a great seller for Toyota, attracting buyers with its utility, comfort, and promise of Toyota reliability. But, even so, six years is a long time for a vehicle to go without any major updates, especially when the vehicle is playing in the emerging, and hence increasingly competitive, crossover market. Couple this with Toyota’s own data indicating a need for a larger and more powerful Highlander, and its clear to understand why this rendition of one the brand’s most popular models is so important. Plus, the recently overhauled Toyota RAV4, now sporting up to three rows and nearly 270 horsepower, places the current Highlander on the border of redundancy.

What’s Under the hud

As Toyota officials tell it, previous Highlander buyers, as well as Highlander shoppers who ultimately opted for a different vehicle, have requested added size and power from the next-generation model. All should be satisfied when the 2008 model hits the streets in July. Replacing the current Highlander’s 215-horsepower 3.3-liter six-cylinder will be a 3.5-liter V6 boasting 270 horsepower and 249 lb.-ft. of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission will put the power to the pavement, and both front- and four-wheel-drive variants will be available. Each Highlander will also employ Toyota’s STAR safety system, including ABS, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic brake assistance, and stability control.

What it Looks like

Well, one thing’s obvious – the 2008 Toyota Highlander has grown. In fact, the redesign resulted in an extra three inches in the wheelbase, a one-inch higher ground clearance, four inches of added body length, and three inches of newly-developed width. On the scales, all that extra Highlander equals another 500 pounds of curb weight, though it also translates into more than 12 cubic feet of added interior volume. Outside, sculpted wheel flares and a wide, tall front grille and fascia treatment lend the new Highlander a more pronounced and aggressive appearance. Likewise, the tail has been reworked with restyled, wedged lamps and a redesigned fascia with integrated lower lenses. The interior is accented by pronounced gauges, soft shapes, and large control dials.restyled, wedged lamps and a redesigned fascia with integrated lower lenses. The interior is accented by pronounced gauges, soft shapes, and large control dials.

What’s Inside

Inside the 2008 Toyota Highlander’s all-new and larger interior are features buyers are sure to appreciate. Among them are seven standard airbags, including side-curtains spanning all three rows and a driver’s knee airbag, a rear-view camera that can be ordered separate from the navigation system, and a keyless entry and ignition system. Other interesting items include a rear DVD system with a nine-inch monitor, a tow package pushing capacity to 5,000 pounds, and a Bluetooth-capable JBL audio system. Another neat feature is the second-row Center Stow seat – when used, it connects two bucket seats to create one bench, but when not used it can be packed under the front center console, allowing for a storage spot or walk-through area to the third row.

What Toyota Says

According to Don Esmond, Toyota’s senior vice president of automotive operations, “Highlander holds a unique distinction within the Toyota brand and within the industry. Along with the 4Runner and FJ Cruiser, it anchors one of the industry’s only three-vehicle, midsize SUV lineups.” Esmond goes on to say, “The 2008 Highlander takes the car-based SUV concept to a new level. I say that with conviction, because it’s a category we invented. As you can see, the new Highlander has raised the bar significantly.”

What We थिंक

As soon as we drove the redesigned, V6-powered, three-row RAV4, we knew the existing Highlander’s days were numbered. With the RAV4 essentially edging its big brother out of its own space, the Highlander had no choice but to move up a notch in terms of power and size. Such a move makes sense, and better positions the Highlander to compete with the myriad of crossovers that have emerged since its introduction six years ago. We’re talking about models like the Saturn Outlook, Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9, all of which offer more power and arguably more contemporary styling than the current Highlander. However, with added power, an aggressive look, and Toyota’s reputation, the 2008 Highlander just might stave off the competition for another six years.

Photos courtesy of Toyota and Thom Blackett

(www.car.com)

2008 Honda Accord Coupe Spy Photos

Accord Coupe – 2008 Spy Photo: Shown lightly disguised behind a flurry of white tape is the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe। Due to debut in the fall, our clearest view yet of the production version confirms that it closely resembles the Accord Coupe Concept shown at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Minor changes in front include a grille opening with more chrome and a shorter lower horizontal, while the lower grille loses its production-silly strakes in favor of a more traditional opening. The fog light recesses are covered, but may retain the show car's deep light treatment, and the headlight cluster is slightly different as well. The wheels on this test car and its single exhaust outlet (not shown) tell us that this is a four-cylinder version.

This is our clearest view yet, at all really, of the new Accord’s interior। The Honda-typical black-over-tan theme remains, and from what we can see there is nothing unconventional about the gauge layout – no two-tiered Civic stuff here. We can see chrome rings around the speedo and tachometer, which are now the same size and side by side, and the new upside-down-“A” Honda steering wheel is included. We’re curious about the big secondary hood in the middle of the dash. We can’t see what’s under it, but seeing as how it’s in the traditional navigation screen spot, we wonder if Honda’s cooking up a surprise there. A bigger screen perhaps?

From the rear, changes from the concept appear even less dramatic। The lower bumper loses its exhaust ports, and the rear brake light moves from the trunk lid to inside the rear glass, but that’s pretty much it. From the side we can see that the concept is essentially unchanged, as the swelled fenders, accent line under the door handle and rising lower sill line are all in place. It looks to us that the aggressive roofline, along with the sharp forward kick of the concept’s rear glass, also make it to production. From what we see, Honda will have a solid competitor for the sexy new Nissan Altima Coupe.

The next Accord will have some mighty big shoes to fill। It is a perennial bestseller for Honda, and is the company’s best selling single nameplate. It is also debuting into the hottest market there is. Sure, crossovers and SUVs get the attention, but the midsize family sedan (and by extension, the coupe versions) is still one of the biggest segments in the market. As some competitors move away from the coupe, Honda hopes to get a bigger share of that pie. Considering that many think that the 2007 Accord is still the best in its class, five years after its introduction, expectations are high for the replacement.

When we first saw the Accord Coupe concept at the Detroit auto show in January, we thought there was a lot of Hyundai Tiburon in its design। As the car moves toward production, we’re seeing less Hyundai, but a little more Scion tC. Either way, it’s an improvement over the inoffensive but dull styling of the current Accord coupe. At the concept’s introduction, John Mendel, Honda’s senior vice president of auto operations, said that “with a powerful stance, long hood, deeply sculpted lower body, and a fast roofline, we think what you see here today represents a bold new styling direction for the entire Accord lineup.” With our clearest look yet at the production coupe, we think he may be right.

(www.car.com)