Tag Archives: Sand

Can You Use A Brush On Solar Panels? Cleaning Dos And Don’ts

If free dust, sand, or sediment has began to build up within the grooves and nooks of your photo voltaic panels, it could steadily start to impact their ability to function. Solar panels cannot obtain daylight very effectively if a layer of crud covers their reflective surfaces.

Since photo voltaic panels are sheer surfaces, a superb spray of water can loosen most surface-level contaminants. However, make certain that your photo voltaic panels are shut off and disconnected from the grid. Furthermore, it is essential to offer the panels time to chill down in order that you do not induce a temperature shock if you spray them. Once they’re prepared, get out a backyard hose, connect an adjustable sprayer, and provides the floor of the panels a mild misting. Take it gradual and regular, ensuring to get some water on as a lot of the panels’ floor space as doable.

After this, you should utilize a separate gadget, like a gallon sprayer, to use a cleansing resolution to the panels. This will assist to dissolve and loosen a number of the extra cussed contaminants. The neatest thing to make use of here’s a professional-grade photo voltaic panel cleansing resolution, which you will discover on Amazon for around $25. If you’ll be able to’t discover a pre-made resolution, you may make your individual by filling a bucket with water and dissolving a bar of delicate hand cleaning soap in it. Don’t use any intense, abrasive chemical substances, as they might trigger the panels to fray and erode.

10 Gas-Only Crossovers That Are More Efficient Than You Realize

The way forward for the automotive trade is electrical – get your head out of the sand, you ardent internal combustion enthusiast, and settle for that automakers are writing the ultimate chapters of pure-gas automobiles. A take a look at SUV lineups demonstrates that the majority automakers now supply hybrid choices (which carry a premium) which are enticing to patrons as a consequence of their low gas consumption metrics.

Thankfully, automakers like Jeep haven’t deserted gas-only engines; Jeep’s mum or dad firm, Stellantis, predicts that ICE automobiles will stay on roads till 2050 and has invested heavily in developing e-fuels. You can get all of the goodies of SUVs in a car motivated by a frugal gas-only engine that takes only a few minutes to prime up on the pump. Here are ten gas-only crossovers which are extra environment friendly than you understand.

Related

10 Non-Hybrid SUVs With The Best Fuel Efficiency

While hybrid SUVs have come a great distance when it comes to gas effectivity, there are nonetheless gasoline-only choices that carry out almost as effectively

In order to provide the most recent and correct info potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, fueleconomy.gov, MotorTrend, and Car And Driver. The following fashions have been ranked in keeping with their gas effectivity (mixed mpg) from lowest to highest.

10 2024 Jeep Compass

Average Fuel Economy: 27 MPG

A parked 2023 Jeep Compass
Jeep

The Jeep Compass might not be the most effective handsome, reasonably priced, or economical automobile on this record. However, it affords loads for its comparatively excessive value and has boxy appears that would develop on you. AWD is commonplace on all variants, as is a brand new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that churns out 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet.

Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four

Horsepower

200 horsepower

Torque

221 pound-feet

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

2000 kilos

Payload Capacity

27.2 cubic toes

Fuel Economy – City

24 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

32 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

27 MPG

(Specs sourced from Jeep)

Featuring a ten.1-inch infotainment display, the Compass’s inside is unspectacular however practical and effectively laid out. Priced between $25,900 and $33,895, the tall Compass affords loads of house for 4 passengers. You additionally get acres of cargo house, particularly with the rear seats folded.

9 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Average Fuel Economy: 29 MPG

Front three-quaters shot of a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport cruising on a dirt road
Subaru

Subaru launched the Crosstrek’s third era with the 2024 mannequin, ditching the earlier era’s handbook transmission for a CVT. Barring minor alterations, the Crosstrek’s exterior hasn’t modified a lot. Inside, Subaru executed minor changes for 2024, bettering the seat design and soundproofing.

Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

2.0-liter flat-four

Horsepower

152 horsepower

Torque

145 pound-feet

Driveline

AWD

Towing Capacity

1,500 kilos

Payload Capacity

20 cubic-feet

Fuel Economy – City

27 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

34 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

29 MPG

(Specs sourced from Subaru)

All Crosstrek variants function all-wheel drive powered by a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter flat-four. The 2.0-liter is essentially the most frugal Crosstrek powertrain. It sends 152 horsepower to all four-wheel by means of a CVT. A extra highly effective 2.5 turbo boxer engine is accessible on larger trims and the Wilderness variant that offers a combined 27 mpg. Pricing for the bottom mannequin begins at $25,195, the place as the highest of the road Wilderness will set you again $32,195.

8 2024 Chevrolet Trax

Average Fuel Economy: 30 MPG

2024 Chevrolet Trax Activ in Nitro Yellow Metallic
Chevrolet

Following a short break, the Chevrolet Trax returned with more legroom, elevated cargo capability, much less energy, and a decrease sticker value. It’s 1.2liter inline-three borrowed from its Trailblazer sibling produces 137 horsepower. Despite its rugged appears, the Trax is not made for off-roading. All variants direct energy to the entrance axle by means of a sluggish six-speed automatic transmission.

Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

Turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three

Horsepower

137 horsepower

Torque

162 pound-feet

Driveline

FWD

Towing Capacity

NA

Payload Capacity

25.6 cubic toes

Fuel Economy – City

28 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

32 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

30 MPG

(Specs sourced from Chevrolet)

Chevy’s persistence when redesigning the Trax paid off. The most placing function of the Trax’s angular dashboard is an unlimited digital dashboard consisting of an infotainment display angled towards the motive force. Features similar to wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are commonplace, and a wi-fi telephone charger is non-obligatory. The 2024 Trax is priced between $21,495 and $24,995.

Related

10 Most Fuel-Efficient Sedans You Can Buy Today

If you are wanting a frugal sedan that may take you from level A to B, with out burning an enormous gap in your pocket you’ll be able to’t go flawed with these 10

7 2024 Buick Envista

Average Fuel Economy: 30 MPG

2024 Buick Envista on the road
Buick

Introduced for 2024, the Envista is the Buick brand’s entry-level SUV, slotting in behind the Encore and underrated Envision. All Envista variants function a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three engine, the smaller of the 2 engines supplied with the Encore GX. In phrases of styling, the Envista is true up there within the subcompact SUV phase, with its sloping coupe-like rear part.

Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

Turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three

Horsepower

137 horsepower

Torque

162 pound-feet

Driveline

FWD

Towing Capacity

NA

Payload Capacity

20.7 cubic toes

Fuel Economy – City

28 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

32 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

30 MPG

(Specs sourced from Buick)

There’s sufficient room inside for passengers to journey in consolation. The inside, although low-quality, appears dearer than the automobile prices. The standout inside function is the trapezoid glass housing that holds the infotainment touchscreen and the digital gauge cluster. The Buick Envista is priced between $23,495 and $29,695.

6 2024 Buick Encore GX FWD

Average Fuel Economy: 30 MPG

2022 Buick Encore GX white
Buick 

The Buick Encore GX appears enticing from the entrance, with the Buick emblem gleaming alongside two curved headlights. The inclusion of Buick’s up to date emblem on the nostril and tail of the GX was a part of the nameplate’s 2024 refresh, which additionally included the set up of a revised grille and reshaped bumpers. Inside, Buick added a brand new digital show, together with an 11.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

Turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three

Horsepower

137 horsepower

Torque

162 pound-feet

Driveline

FWD

Towing Capacity

1,000 kilos

Payload Capacity

23.5 cubic-feet

Fuel Economy – City

30 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

31 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

30 MPG

(Specs sourced from Buick)

The turbocharged 1.2-liter and 1.3-liter engines have comparable common combustion figures in FWD GX variants. However, the smaller engine is a tad extra economical within the metropolis. The GX is healthier outfitted than its subcompact SUV rivals, incorporates a plush journey, and barely lets any road noise inside the cabin. Prices begin at $25,600 with the highest trim costing $33,195.

5 2024 Hyundai Venue

Average Fuel Economy: 31 MPG

2024 Hyundai Venue profile shot
Hyundai

The tiny Hyundai Venue options an engine that matches its exterior proportions – a small 121-horsepower four-cylinder. You most likely received’t get many overtakes completed whereas driving the Venue. However, this sub-compact crossover’s engine supplies sufficient zest for snug metropolis driving whereas consuming little or no gas.

Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

Naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter inline-four

Horsepower

121 horsepower

Torque

113 pound-feet

Driveline

FWD

Towing Capacity

NA

Payload Capacity

18.7 cubic toes

Fuel Economy – City

29 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

33 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

31 MPG

(Specs sourced from Hyundai)

The base model Venue, at $19,800 is the cheapest SUV on sale in 2023. Higher trims are nonetheless fairly reasonably priced, with the top-of-the-line Limited variant costing simply $23,050. Though small, the Venue has greater than sufficient room for passengers to journey comfortably. Despite that includes low-quality supplies, the inside is enticing and effectively put collectively. It options an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Related

10 Best Sub-Compact SUVs, Ranked

Thanks to a raised journey peak and small footprint, sub-compact SUVs have develop into more and more fashionable, and listed here are a few of the easiest fashions

4 2024 Volkswagen Taos

Average Fuel Economy: 31 MPG

Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen Taos

Packaged underneath the hood of each Volkswagen Taos is a brand new turbocharged energy unit that produces 158 horsepower. FWD variants have an eight-speed auto field and torsion beam rear suspension, whereas RWD fashions function a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and multilink rear suspension. You get loads of cabin house and a moderately drab inside that includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen as commonplace.

Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

Turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four

Horsepower

158 horsepower

Torque

184 pound-feet

Driveline

FWD

Towing Capacity

NA

Payload Capacity

24.9 cubic toes

Fuel Economy – City

28 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

36 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

31 MPG

(Specs sourced from Volkswagen)

Prices begin at $23,995 for the bottom mannequin whereas the top-spec mannequin prices $33,515. Volkswagen offers plenty of customization options with the Taos, together with leather-based and leatherette upholstery. You may also add:

  • A panoramic sunroof
  • Power driver’s seat
  • Dual-zone local weather management
  • Ambient lighting
  • A heated steering wheel

3 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer FWD

Average Fuel Economy: 31 MPG

Chevrolet Trailblazer action shot
Chevrolet

Chevy developed the Trailblazer as a smaller alternative to the Chevrolet Blazer. The distinction in energy between the 2 turbocharged inline-three engines that include the Trailblazer is a mere 18 horsepower. Opting for all-wheel drive will get you a clean nine-speed auto, whereas selecting FWD will get you higher gas financial system and a repeatedly variable tranmsission.

Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

Turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three

Horsepower

137 horsepower

Torque

162 pound-feet

Driveline

FWD

Towing Capacity

1,000 kilos

Payload Capacity

25.3 cubic toes

Fuel Economy – City

29 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

33 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

31 MPG

(Specs sourced from Chevrolet)

The Trailblazer is huge for its class, which bodes effectively for patrons with a lot to haul. An additional perk of the Trailblazer is that the entrance passenger seat folds flat, facilitating the transportation of lengthy objects. Chevrolet refreshed the Trailblazer for 2024, putting in an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Prices vary between $24,395 and $29,995.

2 2024 Kia Seltos FWD

Average Fuel Economy: 31 MPG

Blue 2024 Kia Seltos
Kia

When contemplating appears, the Kia Seltos beats most of the cars on this list. It obtained a refresh for the 2024 mannequin yr that improved styling and infotainment know-how. Kia affords two engines with the Seltos: a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter and a turbocharged 1.6-liter. The 2.0-liter is essentially the most economical, whereas the turbocharged unit is essentially the most highly effective.

Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

Naturally aspirated 2.0-liter

Horsepower

146 horsepower

Torque

132 pound-feet

Driveline

FWD

Towing Capacity

NA

Payload Capacity

26.6 cubic toes

Fuel Economy – City

28 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

34 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

31 MPG

(Specs sourced from Kia)

Models with the naturally aspirated engine and FWD supply higher gas financial system. Variants with AWD and the stronger 1.6-liter devour extra, however not by a lot. The Seltos’s inside appears dearer than the its value suggests. Also, the Seltos supply loads of room for hauling folks and items. Prices vary between $24,995 and $29,990.

Related

The Most Fuel-Efficient Gas-Powered SUV On Sale Today

Among the ocean of SUVs at present on sale, discover out what makes the Nissan Kicks essentially the most frugal and fuel-efficient crossover

1 2024 Nissan Kicks

Average Fuel Economy: 33 MPG

Blue 2024 Nissan Kicks
Nissan

The Nissan Kicks doesn’t supply a lot energy – all you get is a small 1.6-liter engine making 122 horsepower. It received’t win any drag races, even amongst its opponents within the subcompact SUV phase. However, the Kicks has a low sticker value of $20,790, is affordable to run, and has loads of house for passengers and cargo.

Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

Naturally aspirated inline-four

Horsepower

122 horsepower

Torque

114 pound-feet

Driveline

FWD

Towing Capacity

NA

Payload Capacity

25.3 cubic toes

Fuel Economy – City

31 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

36 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

33 MPG

(Specs sourced from Nissan)

Furthermore, Nissan did a fairly first rate job styling the automobile’s exterior. You don’t get a lot when it comes to inside package – a 7.0-inch touchscreen is commonplace. That mentioned, the Kicks incorporates a sensible, neatly organized cabin and a collection of driver aids. Overall, the Nissan Kicks offers excellent value

2024 Jeep Wrangler First Drive: Exploring the 392 To 4xe

When I arrived at the Rock Bowl in Sand Hollow State Park, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking orange-red rock formations scattered throughout the area, as well as the numerous Jeeps parked in various adventurous positions. After a brief discussion about the correct pronunciation of the “Willys” trim level (pronounced either as it is spelled or as “Willis”), the event began (Jeep states that both pronunciations are acceptable).

Jeep aims to improve upon previous versions of the Wrangler with this new generation. Their goals include increasing ride comfort, offering more off-road options, providing side-curtain airbags, and keeping the price point reasonable for base trims (the starting price for the base-model two-door sport is $31,895).

However, the company also wanted to preserve the iconic “Jeep-ness” that made the vehicle famous. Options such as a six-speed manual transmission, the distinctive brick-like shape, easy removal of doors, and the ability to tackle sand, mud, and rocks are still available.