Even More On Honda's New Insight
Honda officially revealed details on the '10 Insight at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Up until now we've known little more than the fact that's it's the successor to the original Insight, it's of course a hybrid, and we'll be able to buy one this coming April. Honda's latest Insight uses the company's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology, which gets 40/43 miles per gallon and is something that's supposedly less boring than hybrids as we know them. The five-door Insight features a low center of gravity and a surprisingly large interior. In order to help drivers squeeze every last MPG out as possible, Honda outfitted the Insight with its interactive driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology, the Ecological Drive Assist System, or Eco Assist. Eco Assist optimizes the continuously variable transmission and engine for improved fuel economy, has a feedback function so drivers can see what's happening MPG-wise in real time, and even has a scoring function so drivers know exactly how efficient they're driving. All Insights are powered by a 1.3-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, along with Honda's IMA hybrid system. The IMA system incorporates a 13hp electric motor and a compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) that recaptures and stores kinetic energy from the braking system for accelerating. Both the IMA battery and IPU are stored under the rear floor, which means a 60/40 split fold-down seat is standard. The IMA can operate exclusively on electric power during low- and mid-speed driving conditions and provides cylinder deactivation on the gasoline side during deceleration. It even shuts off the gas engine when the car is stopped. Even with its paltry 10.6-gallon tank, the Insight can travel as far as 400 miles without stopping for fuel. And the EX model even looks cool. It includes alloy rims, a six-speaker audio system with MP3 features, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and an optional voice-activated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System.
Torque Wrench Basics
Courtesy of Snap On ToolsTorque wrenches are precision instruments designed to apply a specific amount of force to a fastener. Whether tightening head bolts or lug nuts, or inspecting tolerances, it's important that care is used. Follow torque values whenever specified, including torque sequences as well as the number of times a fastener must be tightened and/or loosened. Use these practices for best results:
* Safety glasses or goggles are never a bad idea.
* Always follow recommended torque specs, including direction, force, sequence, lubrication method, and tighten-release cycles.
* Never exceed a torque wrench's working range. Typically, mechanical wrenches are accurate within 20-100 percent of their full scale, electronic within 10-100 percent.
* Never use accessories like handle extensions unless manufacturer-recommended.
* Inspect before use and properly lubricate worn parts.
* Never drop or slide a torque wrench as they can become uncalibrated.
* Always store torque wrenches in their proper cases when not in use.
* Always store click-type torque wrenches at their lowest settings
* Never mark, etch, or label a torque wrench.
* Use torque wrenches only for applying a specific final torque value during the tightening process. Never use it as a primary means of tightening or loosening fasteners.
* Always grasp a torque wrench by its handle's center. When using two hands, place one on top of the other.
* Apply torque slowly and methodically and avoid sudden movements.
* Stop pulling when the wrench clicks or beeps.
* Torque wrenches must be inspected and calibrated every year or 5,000 uses, whichever comes first.