Research Blog : auto

Cash for Clunkers…or the CARS Program: what you should know before you walk into a dealership

SuDocQueen@evpl — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:15:00 GMT

I was listening to the radio this morning when one of the announcers started talking about the great deal you could get by trading in your old gas guzzler for a new more fuel efficient car. It’s great that they’re helping to get the word out, but I don’t think they had enough time to go into the important details. And those details are great to know before you start talking to a car salesman.

For example, the announcer said the rebate is $4,500 but that’s only partially true. The rebate will be either $3,500 or $4,500. Which amount you get will depend on the difference in the fuel economy between your old car and the new one. Go to the FAQ section of the CARS program and look under “What is the value of the credit for the purchase or lease of a new…” to understand how the amount is figured. A $1,000 can be an important distinction when you’re counting your pennies.

The main page of www.cars.gov gives you a quick rundown of the most pertinent info you need to know about the program. From there you can click through to the questions that will determine if your car meets “clunker” status, you can peruse the above mentioned FAQs for more in-depth info, and you can find out which dealers are taking part in the program.

Happy car shopping to those who qualify!

Ladies and Gentlemen Start Your Engines

wag.mado@evpl — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:18:00 GMT

Central Library’s Lobby Display starting next week will be featuring circulating materials about car racing and automobiles. With the Indianapolis 500 being this weekend, and NASCAR racing in full swing, it seems a good time to pull those items off the shelf.

If you like fiction, we have plenty of books and movies about the world of automobile racing.

There are biographies about race car drivers too.

We not only have car racing resources, but also materials regarding the history of automobiles, customizing, and maintenance/repair manuals on almost every make and model for the past 20+ years. If you cannot find the right manual, you can access our Auto Repair Reference Center database from your home computer and search for repair/maintenance instructions and diagrams for your specific auto.

Maybe you're not in “love” with your car like most Americans, but just want to know how to be a more responsible owner. In that case, we have books with information on saving gas, living greener, cutting back on the use of your car, and much more.

Visit your favorite library branch to take a look - and don't forget to buckle up!

Government Fuel Economy Website Updated to 2009 Model Year

Bufkinite@evpl — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:03:00 GMT

The US Department of Energy (DOE) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed a fuel economy web site to try and get the word out about the benefits of using more fuel-efficient vehicles. The web site contains an electronic version of the 2009 Fuel Economy Guide, and features updated fuel economy data for new and used passenger vehicles dating back to 1985, allows side-by-side comparisons of up to four vehicles you choose, and offers fuel-saving tips.

The web site also contains vehicle-specific air pollution emissions information and safety ratings, and provides links to car buying Web sites. This web site can help you make informed automotive purchase decisions, and can help you gain fuel economy with the car you have.

How does your car compare? Find out!

Car Repair Information When You Need It

banksoftheohio@evpl — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:01:00 GMT

Auto maintenance manuals are right at the top of the list of the most checked out books in the EVPL collection. An overlooked resource, though, for do-it-yourselfers as well as professional technicians, is our subscription to the Auto Repair Reference Center. It's an electronic database available in the Research section of this website. With your library card, you can access information on more than 33,000 vehicles manufactured from 1945 to the present, and you can conveniently reach it from your home or office computer.

The site includes thousands of technical service bulletins, recall notices and maintenance schedules, wiring diagrams, step-by-step photos and drawings, and a handy labor time estimator. All this information is updated regularly by ASE certified technicians, so you know it can be trusted.