True Auto Protection Extended Vehicle Warranty

Auto Warranty and Maintenance Blog

2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

on


2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Website Screen Shot

The World Solar Challenge was born out of the visions of solar pioneers,

Hans Tholstrup and Larry Perkins 1982 quest to drive a home-built solar car Quiet Achiever across Australia from west to east. Tholstrup urged others to explore the boundaries of sun-powered transportation.

"Inaugurated in 1987 with pioneer sponsor, the South Australian Tourism Commission, the World Solar Challenge continues to showcase the development of advanced automotive technology and promote alternatives to conventional vehicle engines.Today, while solar cars test the ultimate boundaries of energy efficiency, they also provide incredible insights into the capabilities of everyday vehicle technology. These innovations are at the heart of all electric cars, whether that power comes from hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid engines or even fully-electric commuter cars that draw power from solar cells on the garage roof – they all use the technology that is continually honed to perfection in the World Solar Challenge." Source: World Solar Challenge History


"Based on the original notion that a 1000W car would complete the journey in 50 hours, solar cars are allowed a nominal 5kW hours of stored energy, which is 10% of that theoretical figure. All other energy must come from the sun or be recovered from the kinetic energy of the vehicle. 

These are arguably the most efficient electric vehicles." Source: World Solar Challenge Overview

The World Solar Challenge starts in Darwin in the Northern Territory and travels the Stuart Highway to Port Augusta to the finish in the City of Adelaide in South Australia – 3000kms. The teams must travel as far as they can until 5pm in the afternoon where they make camp in the desert. The team must be entirely self-sufficent in order to sleep wherever they stop that day.

The biennial World Solar Challenge seeks to inspire teams from leading international universities and technical institutes. Partnering with private entrepreneurs, the teams come together to test and promote the ultimate synergy of nature, motion and innovation. All while addressing the necessity of sustainable transportation.

Three distinct classes, each with their own parameters, stages and goals were represented. 

  • The Challenger Class is conducted in a single stage from Darwin to Adelaide.
  • The Cruiser Class is conducted in two stages, with a compulsory overnight stop in Alice Springs where teams may recharge from the grid. In 2013, Cruiser Class teams were able to charge from the grid in three locations, this change in 2015 will encourage teams to deploy the most innovative approaches to energy management.
  • The Adventure Class is also conducted over two stages, with an overnight stop in Alice Springs. Source: World Solar Challenge 2015 Classes

Mandatory check points, seven in total, are where observers are changed and team managers have the ability to update themselves on the weather, as well as their own position in the field. Only basic maintenance, such as checking/maintaining tire pressure and cleaning the vehicle of debris may be performed. Undisclosed check points can be enforced by the event officials to assure regulatory conformity.

Watch the 2015 Video Highlights:

 

The 2015 Bridgestone World Solar Winners --

 

Challenger Class Winner: Nuon Solar w/ Nuna 8

Cruiser Class Winner: Team Eindhoven w/ Stella Lux

Adventure Class Winner: TAFE SA w/ Solar Spirit


For the latest Automotive Industry related news, be sure to check out True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn and Google+ for more valuable vehicle information.


 

Continue Reading

Topics: Efficient Electric Cars, Mechanics, World Solar Challenge, Automotive Technology, Sustainable Transportation, Solar Panels, Self Performed Vehicle Maintenance, Technology, Solar Cars, Maintenance, Advanced Automotive Technology, Energy Efficiency, Electric Vehicles

Preventative Vehicle Maintenance That Will Save You Money, Every Time.

on

True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection Money Saving Graphic

A vehicle is only as good as it is maintained.

The best designed cars can falter without proper servicing and checkups. Simply waiting for something to go wrong on the vehicle is a recipe for expensive auto repairs. To avoid this, performing some general preventative car services not only extends the life of the vehicle but it helps cut down on expensive replacement parts. Here are a few preventative vehicle maintenance tips that will save any car owner both time and money


Self Performed Preventative Vehicle Maintenance

While the average car owner shouldn't attempt to change their brakes or service their transmission, there are a few minor improvements they can perform on their own.

  • Replacing damaged and spent windshield wipers is a must. Once water starts to streak through wiper blades, it is time for replacements.
  • Some car owners may feel alright installing new cabin or engine air filters as well, but for those who are not, it can be easily serviced at an auto garage such as True Auto. 

Engine and Transmission 

The engine and transmission are essentially the heart and brain of the vehicle. If one fails, it not only causes significant damage to the vehicle but these areas are some of the most expensive to repair and replace when either goes bad.

Due to this, proper engine and transmission maintenance is a must. This starts with changing the oil when recommended. At this time, all other fluids can be checked and filled. Plus, serpentine and timing belts can be inspected and serviced as well. A coolant flush may be necessary to rid the engine of old and corroded coolant while filling up the power steering fluid keeps the vehicle turning properly. Should a driver feel their vehicle fighting them during snow speed turns, it likely means the steering fluid is low. A new spark plug can boost engine efficiency and safe on fuel economy as well.

All of these areas of the vehicle can be looked over and inspected in one short visit to the auto shop, so having the car looked over during a standard oil change can help avoid more expensive repairs later on. 

Wheels and Brakes

Replacing brake pads is a must. Should the brake wear down to nothing, it may require additional repairs, including new tie rods. When new brakes are installed, having the tires rotated can help ensure universal wear on the tires, which in turn improves handling and driving performance (while also extending the life of the tires).

Tires should be replaced on a regular basis as well. An easy way for any driver to know if it is time to replace their tires is to pull out a quarter and slide it into the tire tread. If the top of Washington's head can still be seen, the tread is too low and needs to be replaced.

Alignment problems should be addressed at this time as well. If the vehicle is turning to one side or the other instead of pointing strait (where the steering wheel is pulling to one side) it means the alignment is off and it needs to be straightened and corrected


When you own a vehicle, there are many different things that you need to take care of in order for you to get the most use and enjoyment out of that vehicle. Whether it's new tires or things like regular maintenance and oil changes, keeping your vehicle in prime condition is important. Investing in an extended warranty will provide you with the extra coverage you want in order to keep your family safe. 


If you are looking for a company that specializes in Automobile Extended Warranties, look no further than True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection. Coverage plans will protect your new, used and new-to-you used vehicle. Call 877-397-1022 or Click HERE to recieve your FREE Quote today.  

Continue Reading

Topics: resale value, Engine and Transmission, Automobile Safety, Extended Vehicle Warranty, Preventative Vehicle Maintenance, Regular Vehicle Maintenance, Car Services, Expensive Auto Repairs, Self Performed Vehicle Maintenance, Wheels and Brakes, True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection

Subscribe to Our Blog:

Click for a Free Auto Extended Warranty Quote or Call 877-397-1022

Recent Posts

True Platinum Protection Plan Fact Sheet

Posts by Topic

see all