Favorites rely on Bosch diesel technology
Bosch diesel technology once again proves its leadership in diesel technology at the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race last June 11 and 12 in France. The Audi Sport team took the Le Mans title from 2006 to 2008 with its diesel-powered cars. Last year, Audi Sport took the top three spots with its Audi R15 TDIs –each time with Bosch technology on board.
Bosch is also the development partner for the common-rail injection system of the current Audi R18 TDI. This system comprises the high-pressure pump, injectors, high-pressure rail, and a customized engine control unit (ECU). Other components supplied by Bosch Motorsport include the starter and alternator as well as the vehicle's data logging and telemetry system, which transmits all the relevant data from the car to the pits during a race.
Another of this year's favorites is Peugeot Sport – the 2009 winner – which has introduced the new 908 to replace its 908 HDi FAP. The team has been participating in the race since 2007 and took first and second places in 2009. Bosch works as a development partner for this team, too, supplying a full range of diesel injection technology including high-pressure pump, injectors and rail. Other components supplied by Bosch Motorsport include the driver box for the piezo injectors and the rail pressure control as well as the starter and alternator.
24-hour races put a tremendous strain on the technology used in the racing cars, which are expected to cover almost the same distance as all 19 races of the entire 2011 Formula 1 season put together. The task of making each component durable enough to last the race is a major challenge – as is the integration of the hydraulics, electronics, and data acquisition components into one overall system.
Diesel-powered vehicles have triumphed in Le Mans every year since 2006. “The teams have learned to fully exploit the key benefits of diesel technology – high torque combined with low fuel consumption,” says Dr. Gerhard Turner, president of the Bosch Diesel Systems division. “And of course many drivers already enjoy the advantages of diesel engines on a daily basis on regular roads.” 42 percent of all new passenger cars registered in Germany in 2010 were diesel-powered – and the figure was even higher in France at 70 percent.
As an experienced systems and components supplier for multiple racing series, Bosch Motorsport and its experts have built up the systems competence and integration know-how required for motor sport applications. Bosch Motorsport is part of Bosch Engineering GmbH, a Bosch subsidiary that specializes in engineering services. Bosch Motorsport can draw on 110 years of motorsport tradition – Bosch technology has been helping racing drivers to victory ever since 1901.
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Today, a growing number of motorists are increasingly aware of the need to save fuel. Cost-saving measures are very crucial in the current economic situation and with the continuously wavering fuel prices. It is therefore essential for Filipino drivers to be knowledgeable on saving on costs – especially on necessities like mobility – and in this case, on how to save on fuel consumption.
Right here, fuel “efficiency” is the operative word. And Bosch believes that investing in quality car parts will not only increase fuel efficiency, they also last longer. Ultimately, quality is cheaper in the long run.
Bosch offers tips and suggestions on driving style and information on technology that can help save money, including regular vehicle maintenance and using quality spare parts, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption.
So the next time you leave your car to your valet at the mall, do remind him to shut-off the engine when the vehicle is parked. After all, you would not want your fuel bill to run as fast as your shopping bill.
Here are some useful tips on how to reduce fuel consumption and save money on every journey:
o Conduct regular diagnostic tests on your vehicle. Engine errors can be identified and corrected. If functional errors are left unchecked, these can lead to increased fuel consumption due to faulty engine calibration.
o Make sure that the oxygen sensor is being checked or replaced. A worn-out oxygen sensor results in increased fuel consumption, poor engine performance and excessive exhaust emissions.
o Check the air pressure on your vehicle’s tires and its chassis set- up. Low tire pressure leads to increased friction while a misaligned chassis set-up will result in unstable movement of the vehicle. These can lead to higher fuel consumption.
o Replace air filter regularly. A blocked air filter leads to lower airflow rate, thus reducing power. This will then prompt the driver to compensate by increasing the pressure on the accelerator pedal and consume more fuel.
o Conduct regular maintenance of the ignition system. Any worn-out component would result to inaccurate ignition timing which will then lead to power loss or fuel wastage.
o Properly maintain your vehicle’s braking system. Regularly changing brake fluid will also help to maintain the functionality of the braking system, extend its working life and save fuel.
o Properly maintain your vehicle’s fuel system. A dirty fuel filter reduces fuel supply. This will then result to lower power output and higher fuel consumption.
o Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle. As the principle goes: accelerating with extra weight uses more energy while decelerating with extra weight increases brake wear.
o Drive more efficiently. Aggressive driving (hard accelerating, braking sharply, etc.) results in higher fuel consumption. Sensible driving is also safer for both drivers and pedestrians; thus, saving more than just gas money.
o Reduce electricity consumption. When more vehicle electronics are turned on, more fuel is required to power them. Activate only those systems that are really needed. Also pay attention to the air conditioning system as it uses a lot of energy.
Quality = lower cost per kilometer
The use of original Bosch parts can help reduce fuel consumption. Bosch products are backed up by years of experience, coupled with extensive research and meticulous production. Poor quality parts – while cheaper at the point of sale – may lead to adverse consequences for the engine: misfiring, faulty starts and even more expensive engine damage due to their questionable reliability. Additionally, poor quality reproduction parts usually create performance problems as the application does not fit 100% to the car and significantly result in high fuel consumption. Buying original and high-quality automotive products can help ensure optimal performance to your vehicle.
Bosch Car Service
Finally, make sure your vehicle is running properly and at optimum condition by having it vehicle tuned-up on a regular, recommended interval. Bosch Service workshops are located in key cities nationwide, offering to ensure accurate diagnostic services for vehicles and provide the right quality parts for every car. These workshops maintain the same global standards that one can find in over 14,000 Bosch Service outlets worldwide.
For more information on fuel efficiency tips and Bosch Car Service workshops, please call Robert Bosch Inc. at +63 2 817-7274 or visit www.bosch.com.ph.
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