Can anybody remember the good old days when we could buy gas for less than a buck?

Back in roaring 90’s we could drive around in our SUVs at little expense. Heck back then I could fill up my 20 gallon tank for less than twenty bucks if I knew where to get cheap gas. It seemed that naive the OPEC and economic recession could help drive you fuel costs $2.00 a gallon. A few years later a war in the Middle East along with hurricane lead gas prices briefly over $3.00 a gallon. Sadly the golden days of low gas prices have come and gone. If you’re a smart consumer you do more than just live in hope for gas prices to drop; you need to consider your vehicles fuel efficiency.

The Energy Information Administration estimates that the United States consumes over 20 million barrels (840 millin gallons) of petroleum products each day, almost half of it in the form of gasoline used in over 200 million motor vehicles with combined travel over 7 billion miles per day. A fluctuation in gas costs of even a few cents could cost American consumers millions of dollars

Here are 4 suggestions of where you can lower your gas costs:

1. Your Car

Whether you drive a used SUV or brand new compact economy car your auto maintenance will have an influence on your fuel costs. If you want to maximize your vehicles ability to utilize fuel I would recommend the following:

Get those regular tune-ups

This sounds like common sense for most folks but some people wait a little too long to get that much needed oil change. The EPA predicts that fixed a faulty oxygen can save you up to 40% in fuel cost.

Replace your air filters

They’re inexpensive and easy to replace. The EPA estimates that keeping your air filters fresh could save you up to 10% on fuel.

Keep your tires properly inflated

Under inflated tires can lower your gas mileage by up to 3%. They also cause your tires to wear out quicker. You should check your tires PSI at least once a month.

2. Your Commute

A shortcut on the road might short change your fuel economy plan if you’re not careful. Your fuel economy can be influenced by multiple variables

Avoid the stop and go

Getting caught in the morning and afternoon rush hour does more than just give you headache. It causes your vehicle to consume more fuel since your spending more time idling in traffic. If possible try avoiding the rush hour by either leaving earlier or later (if the boss is okay with it). Also try to stay on the highways were you will experience fewer stop and goes. The quality of road can influence your cars fuel economy. The EPA also recommends using cruise control and overdrive gears when possible.

Unnecessary Objects

Some people consider their cars as an extension of their rooms. Heavy objects can increase the drag on your vehicle decreasing your fuel economy. If you are on road trip it is recommended that you put objects (such as skis) inside your vehicle to reduce aerodynamic drag if possible.

3. Your Lead Foot

Driving like you’re in the grand prix and trying to save money on fuel is like going in two directions at once. In fact the EPA predicts that driving at speeds at an access of 60 mph increases aerodynamic drag and can drastically reduce fuel economy. You also increase your risk of getting in an accident or getting a very expensive speeding ticket. Slow down!

4. Your Gas Station

It can be tempting at times to give in and purchase gas from that nice convenient looking gas station. Its modern look and feel can lull you into spending a couple extra dollars. If you are like most folks you are probably filling up at least once if not twice a week. Those few extra dollars can really add up. Driving around trying to find a gas station with the cheapest gas prices can obviously defeat the purpose! A solution would be find information online about current gas prices, such as www.gaswatchinfo.com.

Gaswatch.info is an excellent source for accurate local gasoline prices nationwide. Their information is kept current by checking gas prices via credit card transactions and using gas spotters to keep their database regularly updated. Register with www.gaswatch.info and you will have immediate access to the highest and lowest gas prices in your area. You’ll find no other website with more accurate and real time pricing anywhere.

Gaswatch.info is fighting with you to beat high gas prices and keep competition real at the pump.

About The Author

This article was written by Chad Klingensmith and is exclusive to gaswatch.info. You are welcome to reproduce this article on your website as long as the entire article is left intact including the links.

The statistical information and fuel facts presented in this article was courtesy of the http://www.eia.doe.gov -

Beware of Auto Warranties
After a conversation with a fellow shop owner recently about auto warranties, I decided to add a quick note to tell all of you to beware of 99% of the warranties out there. If you buy an extended warranty from your dealer as your manufacturer’s warranty is running out (which I don’t recommend, by the way), it’s most likely legitimate. They may do a little fast talking, but you won’t be scammed. What are bogus are the type of warranty that is sold to you over the phone, with no inspection of your vehicle. A huge percentage of the time these warranties will take your premiums and leave you high and dry when it comes time to do a major repair on your car. If you are considering adding warranty protection, read all of the fine print and do a LOT of research online to see what other people think about the warranty. Be safe!

Beware of Auto Warranties originally appeared on About.com Auto Repair on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 09:08:31.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

More Debate Over Tire Pressure

The debate over correct tire pressure never seems to cool. There are actually a few debates. Two favorites are the”tire pressure vs. gas mileage” debate and the “sidewall vs. door jamb” debate. A recent letter from Diana got me interested yet again in the latter argument:

Diana writes: I’m researching this and it seems there is a 50/50 agreement between the tire “experts”. 50 percent say look on side wall of tire and 50 percent say use car rating on inside door panel. I’ve used the inside of door panel rating and my tires wear on the outsides, which proves underinflation and this is evident on all 4 tires.

Aha! Now we have some evidence against the door jambers. If you think of the issue logically, it only makes sense that every tire is different, some vastly, and the tire manufacturer is going to know better what pressure is optimum. I think the info on the door jamb is only reliable if you use the exact tire your car came with every time you buy replacements. I know others of you see things differently — let the debate rage on!

More Debate Over Tire Pressure originally appeared on About.com Auto Repair on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 01:06:19.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

GM Plans to Repay Federal Loans by June
GM will repay all of its $6.7 billion in government loans by the end of June 2010, according to Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre Jr. During a roundtable discussion with reporters, Whitacre said that starting this month, the company will…

Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Kia Forte Koup
With its attention to styling and interior quality, the 2010 Kia Forte Koup will try to make a pass at the compact-car-buying crowd, but it faces some tough competitors like the Honda Civic. Will Kia be able to make a…

A Million EV Jobs Await But Not in U.S.
Electric vehicles stand to become a $300-billion-a-year industry by 2020 and generate more than a million jobs, but only a sliver of those jobs will materialize in the U.S., according PRTM, a global management firm. From auto manufacturers to repairmen,…

Today’s News From the Cars.com Family
A reader wants to know if the 2010 Jaguar XF has good reliability, and Ask.cars.com gives him the lowdown on upkeep for the XF. Then, PickupTrucks.com has an update from the Southwest road trip featuring the Suzuki Equator. Finally, MotherProof.com…

Consumers Avoid Brands with Sketchy Futures
The results of J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Avoider Study are in, and it looks like Chrysler is the biggest loser. Unlike weight-loss reality shows, that?s not a good thing. The study looks at the reasons consumers give for avoiding…

Toyota to Roll Out Plug-In Electric Car in 2011
Plans all-electric version of the Prius

10 Hottest New Car Deals
Searching for the best new-car deal can be daunting — unless you know where to look.

Since its inception, the market of used cars has suddenly escalated at an unprecedented rate for the past few years. In fact, surveys show that the number of people who buy used cars is almost tripled when compared to the number of people who buy new cars.

That is why many people are enticed to buy used cars because it is gradually becoming a trend in the car buying industry.

However, it does not necessarily mean that buyers will just take the process of selecting used cars for granted. Hence, it is important to take note of the ways to check the car prior to the closure of the deal.

Therefore, for people who wish to know the different ways on checking the condition of the used car, here are some pointers:

1. Test drive

There is no better way to check the condition of the car than to do a test drive. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the actual condition of the car and its parts like the brakes, accelerator, etc.

Also, the buyer will be able to detect at once if there are some “clunks” and rattles on the used car, even if the test drive is just a short trip.

2. Personal inspection

Aside from test-driving, it is also important for the buyer to personally inspect the details of the body make-up and its condition.

In this manner, the buyer will be able to identify any signs of rusts and damages, the condition of the tires, oil leaks, etc.

3. Mileage check

Usually, an average user or driver will consume 12,000 to 15,000 miles in a year. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the approximate age of the car by looking at its mileage.

4. Mechanic check

Another way of checking the condition of a used car prior to its purchase is to seek the help of a mechanic. This may cost the buyer some charges but the money would surely be spent for a good cause. The mechanic is the best person who could instantly assess technically and professionally the condition of a certain car.

5. CARFAX Report

Knowing the history of the car is also one of the best ways to know the real condition of the car. Hence, it is important for the buyer to seek the help of CARFAX report in order to know the full details of the used car’s history.

Take the proper steps and research your purchase. Doing so will guarantee a happy car buying experience.

About the author:

Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com -

The Importance of Estimates
It’s common practice for a repair shop to provide a detailed estimate of needed repairs before work begins on your car or truck. If you’re getting work done without one, you could be making a big mistake. Estimates aren’t just for a consumer’s protection, they protect the shop from misunderstandings, arguments and even law suits. Getting the details on paper ensures everybody knows what to expect when work commences, and when it’s time to pay up. A proper estimate will detail both parts and labor charges in a way you can read and make sense of. Keep in mind, however, that an estimate isn’t the final word on your car repair. Often a mechanic will discover other problems as work progresses, or will find that a different part was actually at fault. There’s no way around this until somebody invents an automotive crystal ball, so getting upset at your mechanic over additional charges is usually out of line. The bottom line, don’t say yes unless it’s in writing, no matter what side of the repair counter you stand on.

The Importance of Estimates originally appeared on About.com Auto Repair on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 22:06:54.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

A Small Victory for Repair Shops
In the unending battle between shops and insurance giants, put a “V” in the repair shops’ column this month. After fighting for quite some time with Connecticut’s Hartford insurance company, a determined group of shop owners have been awarded $15 million after a judge found that The Hartford violated state laws meant to keep a level playing field in the auto repair game. According to ABRN, “The class action lawsuit filed by The Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC) and three of its members alleged that the insurance company engaged in a pattern of unfair practices that violated Connecticut law.” Too many professionals in this country are forced to bend to the will of insurance companies, it’s nice to see a little justice served no matter how small.

Read more about this victory on ABRN.

A Small Victory for Repair Shops originally appeared on About.com Auto Repair on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 22:15:51.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

More and More Car Owners Diving Into Repairs

When times get tough, Americans get tougher. That may sound like a propaganda slogan, but in many cases it rings true. People in this country take their cars and trucks very seriously. Even those you would hardly label “gearheads” will step up to the plate if they think their driving status is at stake, and lately they’ve been doing just that. It’s easy for me to tell you, but check out the results of a recent study by Honeywell. They found that more than half of the car owners in the US are getting greasy more often! Here are the results:

• 51% of American vehicle owners are rolling up their sleeves and handling more car care on their own.

• 89% of these newfound DIYers report that they didn’t really perform these tasks before — they hired a professional.
• 51% admit to doing the bare minimum for their vehicles; and 21% have avoided service altogether.
• 14% report addressing more high ticket repairs that could extend their vehicle’s life.

That’s some serious fixin’! If you can’t yet count yourself amongst the 51% that are getting busy, now’s the time to step up. Make it happen, and save some serious money in process.

_{Honeywell is the parent company of Autolite, FRAM, Prestone and Bendix — all makers of auto repair and maintenance parts and products.}

More and More Car Owners Diving Into Repairs originally appeared on About.com Auto Repair on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 22:34:46.

Permalink | Comment | Email this