Many of you have probably seen cars barreling down the Interstate, their gas fumes vanishing in the air behind them. Their excessive speeds also cost them at the gas pump, assuming the law doesn't find them as well. Traveling with today's gas prices has become a strategy game aimed at saving the most at the pump. We've compiled some tips to save gas and other strategies for you the next time you're driving. Learn Your Route Home and the Best Time to Drive
Probably the biggest gas saver comes in the form of knowledge. If we know the quickest route home, then we can shave miles off our weekly travel, which correlates to gas saved. Many of us drive the same route every day. We can study our route and gauge the best time to leave the office. It might mean staying late to beat rush hour traffic or arriving early to the office, both of which should result in a side benefit of kudos from the boss.
When we travel, our habits reflect with our gas savings. The faster our speed the more gas we consume. Activating cruise control can really help lower fuel consumption on a long trip. Once again a direct route using an online map service like Mapquest or Google Maps should help us save gas too.
Ride Together to Save Gas
The carpool lane might do more than get you to work faster - it can actually save you money. If two people drive fifteen miles to work each day, then they're both going to spend the money to get them there. Those two people driving together could save a nice amount of money each week, and they could use the carpool lane with no fears of reprisal. Don't have anyone to ride with to work? There are websites designed to match you with a person traveling to a nearby location, like www.icarpool.com. These services should flourish in the next few years, assuming they're matching you with safe - not reckless - drivers.
Avoid Speeding
In an EPA list for saving money on gas, the most misunderstood tip related to the speed you drive on average. According to their information, driving 55 to 65mph can save approximately 15% more gas than traveling at high rates of speed. To stay at lower speeds than normal, use cruise control and relax a little. To make sense of your lower rate of speed, consider the distance you'll be traveling. Are you going ten miles? If you travel 75mph you will arrive at your destination in 13 minutes as opposed to 15.5 minutes going 65mph. Is two minutes really worth it?
Regular Maintenance on Your Car
A car has more than a gas tank and bucket seat. Regular maintenance on your car can reduce miles per gallon and increase the car's life. Tune-ups on the car can result in a smoother ride. An experienced mechanic can assist you with the details of the tune up, which may include new spark plugs, filters, and fluid changes. Your owner's manual should detail a likely schedule for regular tune-ups.
Before you leave for a long road trip, check your car's tire pressure. A low tire can create drag on the car. This forces the car to make up the difference in gas usage. Improperly aligned tires can also hinder a car's forward momentum. Be sure to have your tires aligned if you feel it pulling to one side or the other.
Remember to Shift
Most cars nowadays have automatic overdrive. It's fairly easy to turn this extra gear on and off. It's a matter of putting the car in the right gear in a manual car, while automatics often times have a button to push. If you travel in a low gear at high rates of speed, your car will use significantly more gas to get you to your destination than if you used overdrive. Make sure you travel in overdrive whenever possible.
Get Rid of the Dead Weight
Have you been traveling with a box of books in your trunk? The excess weight you might be toting around can actually cause minor gas mileage losses. Be sure to keep your car neat, tidy, and as light as possible.
Cold Weather Driving
If you live in a cold weather climate, then you know snow and ice can build up around the tires of your car. It's best to remove these chunks of snow to reduce drag and also to lower your car's weight. The ice and snow can build up and actually become quite heavy. It's also best to avoid warming a car up for extended periods too. A car can waste more gas idling in a driveway than it would on the drive to work.
Conclusion
Oil companies hope we lose the strategy game of saving gas. The more informed, passionate, and determined we are, the better off our gas mileage will be. If you have other tips to save gas, you can create an account to write a short article on your experience. We offer people just like you a way to express your experiences and showcase it for us all to read.
2009年3月24日星期二
Tips on Finding Places for Lowest Gas Prices
When will high gas prices come down? In the US, high gas prices have increased even more to almost a dollar more per gallon from last year's prices according to the Energy Information Administration. Families have felt the pain of high cost of gas at the pumps. The Internet has opened up avenues for consumers to combat rising gas prices. We can seek out the best prices before leaving our home. Let's take a look at a few of the services available today and take a peek at the future of gasoline prices. Why Saving Money on Gas Makes a Difference
A car was once a status symbol, but certain models have become burdens. We can no longer deny an SUV uses way too much gasoline. We've become more aware and more determined to save money at the gas pump. So where do we start?
If we're thinking of investing any amount of time driving our cars, then we should consider the cost of driving. The fuel efficiency of a car should be a deciding factor on a purchase, but many of us cannot afford to trade in our car for a more fuel efficient model, we must learn to save money on gas.
How much can ten cents a gallon save on gas throughout a year? In 2004, Energy Information Association (EIA) projected average miles traveled per car at 11,000 a year. The average car performed at 20 miles per gallon. This equates to 550 gallons of gasoline used to power the average American car. At prices exceeding four dollars per gallon today, the cost for the year would be $2,200 dollars at $4 per gallon. If the cost was $3.90 per gallon the average driver would save $65 in one year. While this may not seem like much, a quick look at some online sites can help you save that money spending only a few minutes each week.
Using the Internet to Find the Best Gas Prices
Many sites have cropped up in the past few years. These sites allow consumers to enter the price for gas in their area. One such site, GasBuddy.com, shows users the cost of gas in different areas of the US. The GasBuddy.com site states, "Gasoline prices change frequently and may vary by as much as 20 percent within only a few blocks. It's important to be able find the service station with the lowest priced fuel." Twenty percent on a purchase can be huge with gas prices the way they are.
GasBuddy.com owns and operates over 180 different websites with prices for petroleum according to region. If you live in Illinois, then you would visit www.illinoisgasprices.com for the latest prices in your area. This type of site helps consumers find the cheapest gas without driving around looking for the best price, which of course wastes fuel.
Of course, to save money on gas you have to be motivated to do the legwork. If you would rather lock in today's prices, because you speculate tomorrow's gas prices may increase, then you can take charge with a membership through MyGallons.com.
MyGallons.com is a new site offering members today's gas prices for tomorrow's purchase. So if you believe gas will continue going on the rise, you can simply purchase gas at today's price and use the special credit card they give when you go to buy gas. You can refill the card at any time - similar to a prepaid phone card or credit card. Once you have the card, you can use it at participating locations. Their site has a map displaying the gas stations in every area of the US that accepts the card. From my search, most gas stations in my area will accept the card.
Buying today's prices really can save money on gas, but it relies entirely on speculation. If a person buys gas at $4.02 and the price drops ten cents on their next visit to the pump, then this tip to save gas doesn't work. The person would instead buy the gas at the pump price and save the card for a rainy day. The MyGallons.com site does charge an annual fee of $29.99, but if you can save money on gas, then it will probably be beneficial in the long run. Imagine if you had bought 100 gallons at $3.25 a gallon, with today's prices you would be saving $75.00 off that purchase alone.
A consumer stepping into a gas station should no longer be uninformed about the way gas prices fluctuate. As GasBuddy.com attempts to show everyone the prices of the corner gas station, so have tried and true automobile service companies, like AAA, done their part in showing gas prices. AAA has a fuel price search, which works similar to GasBuddy.com. You type in city and state or a zip code and a map returns results for the region. If you scroll down, each gas station's price is entered with the corresponding date. Some prices may be outdated, so be sure to look at the date each one was entered.
How to Save Money on Gas
It's no surprise sites like GasBuddy, MyGallons, and others have emerged on the Internet. What should surprise is the number of people who don't use the tools they have to save money on gas. The sites take only a little time to understand, and then you can be on your way to saving money on gas. We hope this article helped you find places for lowest gas prices.
A car was once a status symbol, but certain models have become burdens. We can no longer deny an SUV uses way too much gasoline. We've become more aware and more determined to save money at the gas pump. So where do we start?
If we're thinking of investing any amount of time driving our cars, then we should consider the cost of driving. The fuel efficiency of a car should be a deciding factor on a purchase, but many of us cannot afford to trade in our car for a more fuel efficient model, we must learn to save money on gas.
How much can ten cents a gallon save on gas throughout a year? In 2004, Energy Information Association (EIA) projected average miles traveled per car at 11,000 a year. The average car performed at 20 miles per gallon. This equates to 550 gallons of gasoline used to power the average American car. At prices exceeding four dollars per gallon today, the cost for the year would be $2,200 dollars at $4 per gallon. If the cost was $3.90 per gallon the average driver would save $65 in one year. While this may not seem like much, a quick look at some online sites can help you save that money spending only a few minutes each week.
Using the Internet to Find the Best Gas Prices
Many sites have cropped up in the past few years. These sites allow consumers to enter the price for gas in their area. One such site, GasBuddy.com, shows users the cost of gas in different areas of the US. The GasBuddy.com site states, "Gasoline prices change frequently and may vary by as much as 20 percent within only a few blocks. It's important to be able find the service station with the lowest priced fuel." Twenty percent on a purchase can be huge with gas prices the way they are.
GasBuddy.com owns and operates over 180 different websites with prices for petroleum according to region. If you live in Illinois, then you would visit www.illinoisgasprices.com for the latest prices in your area. This type of site helps consumers find the cheapest gas without driving around looking for the best price, which of course wastes fuel.
Of course, to save money on gas you have to be motivated to do the legwork. If you would rather lock in today's prices, because you speculate tomorrow's gas prices may increase, then you can take charge with a membership through MyGallons.com.
MyGallons.com is a new site offering members today's gas prices for tomorrow's purchase. So if you believe gas will continue going on the rise, you can simply purchase gas at today's price and use the special credit card they give when you go to buy gas. You can refill the card at any time - similar to a prepaid phone card or credit card. Once you have the card, you can use it at participating locations. Their site has a map displaying the gas stations in every area of the US that accepts the card. From my search, most gas stations in my area will accept the card.
Buying today's prices really can save money on gas, but it relies entirely on speculation. If a person buys gas at $4.02 and the price drops ten cents on their next visit to the pump, then this tip to save gas doesn't work. The person would instead buy the gas at the pump price and save the card for a rainy day. The MyGallons.com site does charge an annual fee of $29.99, but if you can save money on gas, then it will probably be beneficial in the long run. Imagine if you had bought 100 gallons at $3.25 a gallon, with today's prices you would be saving $75.00 off that purchase alone.
A consumer stepping into a gas station should no longer be uninformed about the way gas prices fluctuate. As GasBuddy.com attempts to show everyone the prices of the corner gas station, so have tried and true automobile service companies, like AAA, done their part in showing gas prices. AAA has a fuel price search, which works similar to GasBuddy.com. You type in city and state or a zip code and a map returns results for the region. If you scroll down, each gas station's price is entered with the corresponding date. Some prices may be outdated, so be sure to look at the date each one was entered.
How to Save Money on Gas
It's no surprise sites like GasBuddy, MyGallons, and others have emerged on the Internet. What should surprise is the number of people who don't use the tools they have to save money on gas. The sites take only a little time to understand, and then you can be on your way to saving money on gas. We hope this article helped you find places for lowest gas prices.
The Truth of Hybrid Cars Fuel Efficiency
The hybrid car has long been touted as the savior from oil dependency. The first mass produced models, like the Toyota Prius, came onto the market with loads of fanfare. Stunned manufacturers saw the market shift towards these hybrid cars' fuel efficiency. In 2004, Toyota and Honda sold over 88,000 hybrid model cars in the US. This was only 0.5% of the total lightweight vehicle sales in the US, but the number has doubled and tripled since that time. What makes Americans hungry for the hybrid vehicle? Has the world actually shifted from the lightweight economy car to a more versatile, albeit more expensive, hybrid counterpart?
A Short History of Hybrid Cars
It's often believed that hybrid cars catapulted into modern culture circa 1997. However, many may be surprised to learn hybrids actually appeared as early as 1902 with the "Lohner-Porsche petrol-electric ‘Mixte' built by Ferdinand Porsche" [Source: Hybrid Cars Guide]. The demise of the early hybrids came from Henry Ford's automated assembly line, which pumped out far more cars in less amount of time. The hybrid did not die, but soon became second best to the more efficient manufacturing methods of American auto makers.
In 1997 Toyota revealed the Prius to the Japanese market. As a result, the new era of hybrid cars had begun. It would take a few years, but the Prius model would begin to show up in American auto showrooms and introduce a whole new line of cars during a time when Americans wanted something new and fresh.
A Few Myths of Hybrid Cars
In today's pop culture, hybrids carry a reputation of being owned by tree-huggers, liberals, and activists. It could be because early adopters of the vehicle all came from these particular camps. Nevertheless, mainstream media has long since equated hybrid ownership to thoughtful, environmentally friendly personalities. Recently, as gas prices have surged, many have jumped ship to purchase these lovable hybrid vehicles. As they buy them up by the hundreds of thousands, new and more powerful models have emerged, including SUV and sedan models. The new technology has more than a few consumers questioning their purchase when they hear of faulty batteries, poor performance, and more expensive price tags at the time of sale.
The folks at HybridCars.com have a comprehensive list of myths related to hybrid cars. The reaction to hybrid cars seems to stem from ignorance or common misunderstandings, like the faulty battery charge. It's unknown who circulates these rumors, but the fact remains that most modern hybrids carry an 80,000 to 100,000 mile warranty on the battery. The life of hybrid batteries should last well after the warranty expires. Documented cases appear more and more each day.
Hybrid Cars and Saving Money on Gas
Do hybrid cars save money on gas? Absolutely. Do they cost more to purchase? Most definitely. Most hybrid car manufacturers show ads where the cars not only save money on gas, but also the environment. A few short years ago, before the new EPA fuel estimates hit the market, many hybrid owners carried a grudge as their new hybrid didn't live up to mileage estimates pasted to their car's window. The outdated methods used to test vehicles have been improved for 2008. The purpose was to show more accurate estimates so consumers would not feel cheated by their new hybrid model. The results are a more accurate account of a car's day to day performance.
The new EPA standards show a Toyota Prius at 48mpg in the city and 46mpg on the highway [Source: Edmunds.com]. The lower highway miles relate to engine using gas to achieve higher speeds on the highway. 48mpg for city driving is still phenomenal. Many would trade in for such a valuable asset. However, trading in a gas guzzler doesn't always amount to big savings. You can use the Edmunds.com gas guzzler trade-in calculator to figure when the move to a hybrid would pay you back.
For those who still like to hit the open road, a modern hybrid car will do wonders for your wallet. A five hundred mile trip could see you shave 40% off a comparable economy car's gas mileage for the trip. Hybrid cars definitely save money on gas, but make sure you can afford to make the change. A one sided trade at the auto dealer might do your finances more harm than good.
Get to the Streets
Many auto manufacturers have pushed long and hard to not produce hybrid vehicles. With the clamoring from consumers for more fuel efficiency, we can only imagine the lineup of future models will have more electric shock than combustible spark.
A Short History of Hybrid Cars
It's often believed that hybrid cars catapulted into modern culture circa 1997. However, many may be surprised to learn hybrids actually appeared as early as 1902 with the "Lohner-Porsche petrol-electric ‘Mixte' built by Ferdinand Porsche" [Source: Hybrid Cars Guide]. The demise of the early hybrids came from Henry Ford's automated assembly line, which pumped out far more cars in less amount of time. The hybrid did not die, but soon became second best to the more efficient manufacturing methods of American auto makers.
In 1997 Toyota revealed the Prius to the Japanese market. As a result, the new era of hybrid cars had begun. It would take a few years, but the Prius model would begin to show up in American auto showrooms and introduce a whole new line of cars during a time when Americans wanted something new and fresh.
A Few Myths of Hybrid Cars
In today's pop culture, hybrids carry a reputation of being owned by tree-huggers, liberals, and activists. It could be because early adopters of the vehicle all came from these particular camps. Nevertheless, mainstream media has long since equated hybrid ownership to thoughtful, environmentally friendly personalities. Recently, as gas prices have surged, many have jumped ship to purchase these lovable hybrid vehicles. As they buy them up by the hundreds of thousands, new and more powerful models have emerged, including SUV and sedan models. The new technology has more than a few consumers questioning their purchase when they hear of faulty batteries, poor performance, and more expensive price tags at the time of sale.
The folks at HybridCars.com have a comprehensive list of myths related to hybrid cars. The reaction to hybrid cars seems to stem from ignorance or common misunderstandings, like the faulty battery charge. It's unknown who circulates these rumors, but the fact remains that most modern hybrids carry an 80,000 to 100,000 mile warranty on the battery. The life of hybrid batteries should last well after the warranty expires. Documented cases appear more and more each day.
Hybrid Cars and Saving Money on Gas
Do hybrid cars save money on gas? Absolutely. Do they cost more to purchase? Most definitely. Most hybrid car manufacturers show ads where the cars not only save money on gas, but also the environment. A few short years ago, before the new EPA fuel estimates hit the market, many hybrid owners carried a grudge as their new hybrid didn't live up to mileage estimates pasted to their car's window. The outdated methods used to test vehicles have been improved for 2008. The purpose was to show more accurate estimates so consumers would not feel cheated by their new hybrid model. The results are a more accurate account of a car's day to day performance.
The new EPA standards show a Toyota Prius at 48mpg in the city and 46mpg on the highway [Source: Edmunds.com]. The lower highway miles relate to engine using gas to achieve higher speeds on the highway. 48mpg for city driving is still phenomenal. Many would trade in for such a valuable asset. However, trading in a gas guzzler doesn't always amount to big savings. You can use the Edmunds.com gas guzzler trade-in calculator to figure when the move to a hybrid would pay you back.
For those who still like to hit the open road, a modern hybrid car will do wonders for your wallet. A five hundred mile trip could see you shave 40% off a comparable economy car's gas mileage for the trip. Hybrid cars definitely save money on gas, but make sure you can afford to make the change. A one sided trade at the auto dealer might do your finances more harm than good.
Get to the Streets
Many auto manufacturers have pushed long and hard to not produce hybrid vehicles. With the clamoring from consumers for more fuel efficiency, we can only imagine the lineup of future models will have more electric shock than combustible spark.
Myths on How to Save Gas
We all have a neighbor, coworker or family member who insists they know the secret to save gas. They read in an obscure magazine or heard from a friend that if you do this then you'll save more at the pump. In this article, we challenge Uncle Fred and dispel some of the common myths on how to save gas. 1. Buy Your Gas Early or Late in the Day
This myth relies on a simple theory; the hottest times of day will yield less dense gas, so a smart consumer should buy their gas during the cool periods of the day. Those lucky Alaskans! The theory falls apart when you consider all gasoline storage tanks are underground and extremely well insulated. According to Edmunds.com, it matters more whether the tanker truck brought the gas in warm or cool. The temperature of the gas stays the same as when it was in the tanker truck.
2. Roll Up Your Windows on the Highway
The myth suggests that you create drag by rolling down your windows at high speeds. The drag theory definitely holds weight, but it's more for cargo and luggage racks on the roof. These devices greatly reduce the mpg of a vehicle. Consumer Reports found that empty cargo racks reduced gas mileage as well. If you don't need those racks, uninstall them. It does create drag to have the window down, but not enough to severely impact your mpg.
3. Pour in a Little of This Chemical and You'll Get Much Fuel Efficiency
CNN Money debunks this myth with some common sense. Why would putting an additive in the gas tank help fuel efficiency and get you better mileage? If it actually worked, wouldn't gas companies add the chemicals themselves? If it sounds too good to be true...
4. Use Premium Grade Gasoline
This myth sounds nice. Pay for the higher grade gasoline at the pump and it'll benefit your car in fuel efficiency. The reality is most cars perform the same using either grade of gas. Only high performance autos or luxury models needs the higher octane gasoline.
5. Turn off the AC to Save Gas
Fortunately this one proves to be false. According to Edmunds.com, the savings are negligible. Who wants to arrive at work sweating from the drive? Keep the air conditioning turned on and the windows rolled up on your morning and evening commute.
6. Pickup Trucks Should Drive with the Tailgate Down
This one seems logical, the tailgate has a lot of wind resistance right? It's like a blockade for wind to pass through on the way out the back of the truck. At Interstate speeds, this could mean less fuel efficiency and MPG, right? Wrong. Episode 43 of Mythbusters tackles this very topic. They found that a truck with the tailgate down created more drag and resulted in less MPG than the same model truck driven with the tailgate up. It's counterintuitive, but from their (and presumably Ford's experiments) we can gather that driving with the tailgate up should save gas and money.
7. Change Your Air Filter
Who hasn't fallen for this one? The person changing our oil claims a new air filter will increase our gas mileage. Of course, we want to save gas and money, so we tell them to go ahead and change the air filter. We later come to realize that Consumer Reports tested this theory. The technicians duct taped the air filter mostly closed and the onboard computer system regulated the air filtering accordingly. These smart cars. Now if you own an older model car, then maybe this would matter.
8. Purchase Gas During the Middle of the Week
The consumer wins when they buy gas during the middle of the week, as prices tend to increase for weekend traffic. The theory relates to the constant fluctuation of gas prices. The prices sometimes do tend to increase over weekends and holidays. But the prices can also increase during the middle of the week. Many feel the run-up of gas prices during these times means we need strict regulations on how we price our gasoline. If you want to save money on gas at the pump, try using a credit card that gives a gas rebate.
A person with the will to save money on gas can find a way. There's likely to be new myths as gas prices continue to break records. Just remember to use some common sense and don't part with your money until you have done the research.
This myth relies on a simple theory; the hottest times of day will yield less dense gas, so a smart consumer should buy their gas during the cool periods of the day. Those lucky Alaskans! The theory falls apart when you consider all gasoline storage tanks are underground and extremely well insulated. According to Edmunds.com, it matters more whether the tanker truck brought the gas in warm or cool. The temperature of the gas stays the same as when it was in the tanker truck.
2. Roll Up Your Windows on the Highway
The myth suggests that you create drag by rolling down your windows at high speeds. The drag theory definitely holds weight, but it's more for cargo and luggage racks on the roof. These devices greatly reduce the mpg of a vehicle. Consumer Reports found that empty cargo racks reduced gas mileage as well. If you don't need those racks, uninstall them. It does create drag to have the window down, but not enough to severely impact your mpg.
3. Pour in a Little of This Chemical and You'll Get Much Fuel Efficiency
CNN Money debunks this myth with some common sense. Why would putting an additive in the gas tank help fuel efficiency and get you better mileage? If it actually worked, wouldn't gas companies add the chemicals themselves? If it sounds too good to be true...
4. Use Premium Grade Gasoline
This myth sounds nice. Pay for the higher grade gasoline at the pump and it'll benefit your car in fuel efficiency. The reality is most cars perform the same using either grade of gas. Only high performance autos or luxury models needs the higher octane gasoline.
5. Turn off the AC to Save Gas
Fortunately this one proves to be false. According to Edmunds.com, the savings are negligible. Who wants to arrive at work sweating from the drive? Keep the air conditioning turned on and the windows rolled up on your morning and evening commute.
6. Pickup Trucks Should Drive with the Tailgate Down
This one seems logical, the tailgate has a lot of wind resistance right? It's like a blockade for wind to pass through on the way out the back of the truck. At Interstate speeds, this could mean less fuel efficiency and MPG, right? Wrong. Episode 43 of Mythbusters tackles this very topic. They found that a truck with the tailgate down created more drag and resulted in less MPG than the same model truck driven with the tailgate up. It's counterintuitive, but from their (and presumably Ford's experiments) we can gather that driving with the tailgate up should save gas and money.
7. Change Your Air Filter
Who hasn't fallen for this one? The person changing our oil claims a new air filter will increase our gas mileage. Of course, we want to save gas and money, so we tell them to go ahead and change the air filter. We later come to realize that Consumer Reports tested this theory. The technicians duct taped the air filter mostly closed and the onboard computer system regulated the air filtering accordingly. These smart cars. Now if you own an older model car, then maybe this would matter.
8. Purchase Gas During the Middle of the Week
The consumer wins when they buy gas during the middle of the week, as prices tend to increase for weekend traffic. The theory relates to the constant fluctuation of gas prices. The prices sometimes do tend to increase over weekends and holidays. But the prices can also increase during the middle of the week. Many feel the run-up of gas prices during these times means we need strict regulations on how we price our gasoline. If you want to save money on gas at the pump, try using a credit card that gives a gas rebate.
A person with the will to save money on gas can find a way. There's likely to be new myths as gas prices continue to break records. Just remember to use some common sense and don't part with your money until you have done the research.
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