In a world where people rely heavily on diesel-powered engines to perform many functions for both agriculture and other known industries, it no longer comes as a surprise if there is a limited supply of derivatives of diesel fuels with traces of petroleum.

Besides the (over)exhaustion of reserves of petroleum fuels, improbability in petroleum sources and supply because of certain economic and political reasons inspired many to look for alternative resources for petroleum-based fuel sources like diesel.

You’ve heard of vegetable oil, animal fat, and recycled cooking oil being used as fuel nowadays. These are what you call Biodiesel.

>From the word itself, biodiesel is an alternative to diesel fuel made from renewable or organic sources such as the ones already mentioned above. Biodiesel is produced by means of a reaction between an animal fat or vegetable oil and ethanol or methanol with a certain catalyst. Biodiesel appears as and used as either in its pure form or can be mixed with diesel to be utilized by diesel engines - a petroleum-based biodiesel. Both have yields of glycerin and biodiesel, which are chemically known as asters of methanol and ethanol.

The following presents the major advantages of using biodiesel:

1. It is non-hazardous and biodegradable. 2. It can readily be used in modern types of diesel engines. 3. It is a much more efficient as compared to fuel cells. 4. Thus, it can eliminate the huge allocation of reconstructing major fuel distribution factories and companies.

On the note of producing biodiesel extracts on a macro scale basis, two steps are usually considered:

1. Growing of alternative feed stocks.

Oilseed crops (and animal lipids) are well known sources of biodiesel because of their oil content.

Interestingly, recent programs have been funded to research on the feasibility of using algal species as feedstocks for biodiesel extracts. In fact, there are noted species of algae from which you can extract larger amounts of oil. The same species also grow at very fast rates so production would definitely be efficient. Moreover, most of these species use less water for cultivation, unlike oilseed crops.

Another advantage of using algae as a source of biodiesel is that the species also grow best in salty water, so farms could be built near the ocean without desalinating seawater.

With recent development regarding algae research, that concern is completely obliterated since it was noted that algae could survive in either a hot desert or within areas near waste streams.

Processing the feedstock into biodiesel. This step would be best accomplished by present oil refineries around the world, which are being converted to biodiesel refineries and by new companies building state-of-the-art plants.

Environmentally speaking, the use of biodiesel is basically not alarming. However, further researches regarding on biodiesel producing alternatives should be ventured upon to facilitate a more feasible large-scale biodiesel production.

You might never have owned a boat before, or you might already have your own boat, but it doesn’t suit you. Here are the things that you need to consider before purchasing a boat.

How will you use it?

Are you going to be boating mostly alone? Or will you typically be fishing with one or two other people? It can be disappointing to buy a boat and then find out that it is too small for your whole family, and so you don’t get enough use out of it. Conversely, if you buy a boat that is too big, and it is only you who use it, you might find it too much of a hassle to take out. Think of how you want to use it. It is probably a safer bet to get one bigger instead of smaller just in case. You don’t want to leave your kids or your friends on shore! (Except maybe if you do: then you can get a small fishing rig just for you and for some peace and quiet!)

How often will you use it?

If you are only going to be a pleasure boater, or if you don’t live near water, you will probably want a boat that can fit on a trailer. If you will be taking it out more than just on weekends, you will want to consider keeping it in a marina. Remember to account for the costs of storing your boat when you are making your budget: a typical rule of thumb is to double your monthly payments to find out how much you will really be spending on upkeep, maintenance, and storage.

Where will you use it?

Get a boat that you will be able to access, no matter how you plan to do it. If you live far from the nearest lake or river, then you will want to figure out how you will be getting to your boat. Consider also if you will be using your boat in freshwater or saltwater, because that can sometimes make a difference to the materials that you want to buy.

If you will be in the Great Lakes or in the Ocean, you will want a different type of boat than if you are going to be in rivers. For these types of lakes, or lakes with very choppy waters, you will want a boat with a deep-V hull so that your ride isn’t as bumpy.

What kind of boat do you want?

Buying a kayak is completely different than buying a schooner. You will probably have an idea of the type of boat that you want when you go to make your purchase. Do you want one that has a motor? Do you want one that is specialized for fishing? There are many different types of fishing boats and other specialty boats. Perhaps you are interest in a sailboat.

The best way to find out what kind of boat you want is to talk to other boaters. They will be happy to tell you about their best purchases (and sometimes their worst, too, which you can learn from). They might even take you out for a spin in their boat when you are considering your options.

In the end, you will know what boat is right for you. Do your research and you will feel well-prepared to buy any boat you want!

Jet skis are personal watercrafts that will sure leave you hurling for more in open waters. However, to be able to make the most out from them (besides their tag prices are so high that you must really get the deal from your precious vehicle), you have to know what keeps it in good working condition.

Other jet ski parts aside, jet ski engines are probably the most important part of the whole machine. It drives the watercraft, it gives the power. Depending on the condition, they provide the performance and create the envying waves. Well, in fact jet ski engines are the ones that will keep the machine running.

In fact, when your buying for a jet ski especially those that are sold second hand, the looks wont say it all. It is always the engine that would spell the difference. In fact, the more the scratches while the engine is working on its optimum power, the better the deal. The engine therefore, gives the life for the vehicle.

The whole PWC is useless when it’s not working right? Well, maintenance for your jet ski engine does not entail demanding routines. As a sample, it would be good to note that the engine, for it to work properly must always be supplied with enough oil. (that isn’t hard right?)

Oil provides the lubrication. This is vital since once the jet ski engine lacks oil, fusing of parts would be possible.

Another thing, flush water from your engine regularly. Lake water may do but algae and dirt normally cause buildup in the engine parts which may eventually cause the decline in performance of the machine. If you are using your jet ski in salt water however, you have to assure to it that salt water is flushed before storing it.

Salt, once it builds up can actually cause you serious problems. These are quite hard to remove and you have no other option but to painstakingly remove them by means other than using hot water (one of the most effective medium for removing salt deposits. After all, you can never use hot water in cleaning a cooling system.

You need also to have a close watch on the impeller. Minerals, dirt, weeds and algae can all get deposited in the impeller which in the end, will drop down the performing capacity of your jet ski. Remember to clear these once you get out from water.

Other than these jet ski engine tips, please check for the specific engine maintenance as stipulated in your PWC manual.

Every winter drivers should take active steps to protect their car from road salt.

Road salt is necessary for safe transportation when snow and ice accumulate on roads and highways and cause dangerous driving conditions.

Salt was first used in the 1930’s in snow and ice control to make roads safe and passable by creating a lower freezing temperature of the water. It is the most available and cost-effective de-icer. It is easy to store, handle, and apply.

Some 15 million tons of de-icing salt is used each year in the U.S. and about 4-5 million in Canada.

Salt keeps snow and ice from bonding to the pavement and to allow snowplows to remove accumulations quickly and efficiently.

Studies show that salt use reduces accidents by 88%.

Washing your car during wintertime is one of the best things you can do to maintain the value of your car. Mud, salt, rain, sleet, and snow can damage your car’s clear finish. Mud and salt caked on the undercarriage promote rust, especially in older vehicles, and can also affect how well your car drives.

To prevent winter damage, it is recommended that you wash your vehicle every 10 days. Wash your vehicle whenever the temperature is 40 degrees F. and above. Do it during the day so that it dries completely before freezing evening temperatures begin.

Immediately after washing the vehicle, open and close all doors, the trunk, and other parts of the car with locks several times before parking it to prevent locks from freezing.

Always wash your car right after a snow or rain shower. Rain and snow collect pollutants in the air and drop them as acid rain which can damage the cars protective finish. Snow and sleet also include the corrosive road salt.

Wash the underside of your car often during the winter months in car washes that do not use recycled water.

Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water which is saturated with road salt.

Any paint chips that are larger than the tip of a pen should be taken care of immediately.

Wax your car at least every six months. Put a good heavy coat of wax on your car before the winter storms hit. This heavy coat will protect your paint from the corrosive salt and cold temperatures.

More frequent waxes are needed if your car is red, black or white because these colors are more susceptible to acid rain and UV rays.

When spring time rolls around, treat your car to a good wax job again. Be sure to remove all road grime and salt off of the car before you begin waxing.

For more information:
http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

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Article (c) 2005 Marilyn Pokorney