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Hypermiling: How to Make Your Car Go Further with Less Gas

February 24, 2011 By adminek Leave a Comment
Hypermiling: How to Make Your Car Go Further with Less Gas

Chapter 1

Introduction

If you aren’t familiar with hypermiling you should look into what it is all about. Chances are you will be hearing that term floating around quite a bit. It is a way for you to be able to cut back on the amount of fuel you consume.

 

Since most of us rely upon our vehicle to get us around we need to make it go further with less fuel being consumed. You may be thinking that you are already doing all you can to cut costs. You are watching the prices at the pumps and you are cutting back on when and where you drive. You may be frustrated about all of it as well.

 

This is because it simply isn’t always possible to cut down on the amount that you use your vehicle. You can’t change how far it is to your place of employment due to gas prices. Getting another job closer may not be possible. At the same time you may really like the job you have.

 

There is also the pay to consider as a new job may start you out at less than you make right now. With the economy being as low as it is right now, the job market is difficult as well. It is understandable that you may be worried about a lay off or not being needed at a particular job site. If you have been at one place for a while there is some job security in that.

 

You also have your other commitments such as getting kids to school, grocery shopping, and running errands. While you can arrange things to flow better you still won’t be able to completely cut these needs out of your schedule.

 

It just isn’t realistic to expect anyone to blow off all of the other things going on in their life because they can’t pay for the high cost of fuel. If you still want to be able to enjoy those things then pay attention to the various hypermiling methods. They can really help you even if you aren’t sure at this time. Gas is going to be consumed no matter where you go and what you do. If you take your vehicle there it will be an additional expense to consider.

 

Carpooling isn’t always a practical solution either when you have so many things going on. People tend to overextend themselves so having your own car is often necessary in order to be able to successfully get it all done. If you have a work schedule that varies it is even harder to carpool. Try to do it if possible though even a couple of days per week.

 

With the outlook for the economy being quite grim right now, consumers are at the mercy of oil prices when the approach the pumps. Since the government isn’t able to offer us the relief we need it is up to each of us to do something. You can sit around and complain about how much you pay per gallon for gas or you can be more efficient.

 

The government has made some efforts though by offering information about hypermiling on various websites. It is a good idea to take a look at that information so you can see for yourself that it is substantial material. In many ways this is a service the government is offering to help the average person be able to get by in light of the increases in prices.

 

Once you finish reading this you will have plenty of information about hypermiling. You will be able to implement a strategy that works so you can get the most out of it. This way you can make your car go further with less gas. That means more money in your pocket instead of being placed in order for you to get around.

 

You should be able to start implementing many of them in very little time at all. Make sure you review the list of hypermiling strategies on a regular basis though. If you aren’t effectively practicing certain ones you may end up forgetting about them. Should that happen you won’t be able to get as much savings as you could.

Chapter 2

What is Hypermiling?

For those of you unfamiliar with the concept of hypermiling, let’s elaborate on what this entails. It is essentially the conscious effort of increasing the amount of gas mileage you get from your vehicle. This involves many different aspects including keeping your car in great shape, your driving behavior, and what type of vehicle you drive.

 

We will discuss each of these areas in more detail later on. They are all very important by themselves and can be areas where you are wasting fuel. When you make changes to them though they will collectively really add up to getting much more mileage out of the gas you pump into your vehicle.

 

Before you read this, you may not have realized all the different ways in which you are wasting fuel in your vehicle. We get into the habit of doing things and they become second nature to us. You have the power to make changes though and that is the great thing about hypermiling.

 

Take the time to find out just what a difference it can make for you. If you are able to save thousands of dollars each year on fuel then you can use that money for something else. As hard as you work for your money you may as well be getting all you can out of it.

 

Anyone can implement hypermiling no matter how long they have been driving. It also doesn’t matter what type of vehicle you drive as there should be something you can do to save on fuel costs. You may be skeptical now but you won’t be after you finish reading.

 

Hypermiling isn’t a bunch of hype as people have been using it to save on gas for many years. However, it is something that has only really gathered attention over the past year. This is due to the continual increase of fuel prices.

 

Not to long ago we were upset when they hit $2 a gallon. Now that they are at $4 and said to be climbing to $5 by the end of summer consumers are paying attention. Those of you holding your breath for the prices to be drastically cut are going to be very disappointed when they don’t.

Chapter 3

Why has Hypermiling become so Popular Recently?

The reason why hypermiling has such a buzz around it recently has to do with increased fuel prices. We recently were told that oil hit an all time high of $150 per barrel. That was very hard for consumers to swallow considering what they are already paying for fuel.

 

Most people don’t have too much money left over each month after the bills are paid. You are lucky if you do because that is a luxury the majority just don’t have. So if your budget is already stretched thin it can be very stressful to try to allocate an additional amount of money from your budget for increased fuel costs.

 

Since the wages aren’t going up there isn’t really a place to get that money from. The wise consumer isn’t happy to put their fuel costs onto a credit card that they can’t pay off at the end of the month. It will only result in a mountain of debt they don’t want to become associated with. Finding a way around this is a priority for many people out there.

 

The fact that there are some common sense ways to get some relief at the pumps is another reason. People don’t have the time for something high tech or difficult to accomplish. Yet once they learn that it is something they can do and they can get results from it becomes quite exciting. They also don’t want to get involved in anything that is going to be difficult time consuming. Too many people are stretched too think in that area as well.

 

You will also find that all of the guidelines out there relating to hypermiling meet or exceed the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Many of them have also lead to a decreased risk of an accident happening. This combination of things really lends credibility to the entire process.

 

For those who are environmentally conscious, hypermiling is a great way for them to make their contribution to society. They want to make sure the Earth is as good of a place for them to live on as they can. They also want to do their part to preserve the natural resources for future generations to use.

Chapter 4

Drive more Fuel Efficiently

 

The more that you are behind the wheel of a vehicle the more money you can save. Take a close look at your driving habits as that is the area where people end up using approximately 1/3 more fuel than they really should on the highway. It is amazing how many people are offended when they read that!

 

There are many great places online where you can take quizzes about your driving habits. It can give you an honest evaluation as to how aggressive you are. If you fall into a category that isn’t good then you need to accept it and make a commitment to change it. Here are some great pointers to get you rolling in the right direction.

 

You need to stay at a constant speed as much as you can. Pay attention to the posted speed limits and set your cruise control.  You will need to slow down from time to time for the flow of traffic and such but that should still help with your fuel usage. Make sure you don’t follow being other vehicles too closely either. This stopping will decrease your speed so you will be going faster and then slower even though you aren’t exceeding the posted speed limit.

 

If you are one of those individuals who weaves in and out of traffic passing people and then getting back into the groove of the traffic by slowing down again you are wasting fuel. Even if you are in a hurry, such methods don’t save you very much time.

 

We have all seen drivers like that on the road each day. They move in and out of the traffic but then we end up catching up to them at a stoplight or on an exit ramp. This shows that this type of aggressive driving really doesn’t get you there any faster, yet it is costing you more fuel than it should to arrive at that destination.

 

When you stay at a constant speed you and everyone else on the road around you is much safer. You will have more control over your vehicle and other vehicles can accurately anticipate your movements. It will reduce the wear on your vehicle as well.

 

It can take some time for you to make changes in this area. Pay close attention to it and then do your best not to give into the urge. You may not realize just how often you used to engage in that type of behavior until you are attempting to stop doing so. In addition to saving you fuel it can save your life as well due to other drivers not knowing what you will be doing out there.

 

Many places where you can drive allow you to exceed 60 miles per hour. It isn’t uncommon to find signs for 75 miles per hour on busy highways and freeways. It is important to understand that you will decrease the amount of miles per gallon when you are over 60 miles per hour. So to be able to go faster you are going to have to accept the fact that you are burning more fuel to do so.

 

This one is quite a dilemma as you don’t want to be the turtle on the fast road. If you choose to drive at a lower than posted speed you need to stay in the right hand lane. That way you aren’t obstructing traffic and being a danger to yourself and others.

 

In many ways that is the practical solution though so you will want to continue at the posted speed limits. If you are following the strategies of the other hypermiling guidelines though you should still end up getting more miles out of each tank of gas.

 

When you aren’t moving, your car is idling. Turn off your vehicle to save you on gas. Many people let their car idle to warm up in the winter and then to cool down in the summer. If possible place your vehicle in a garage so you don’t have to let it sit outside collecting frost or for the sun to beat down upon it.

 

In the summer time you should also consider running errands early in the morning. This way you won’t be relying upon the air conditioner to keep you cool. This is a very big waster of fuel for your vehicle. If you are using it quite often you will notice you are going to the pumps more often than normal.

 

If you are stuck in traffic for any length of time, you also want to turn the vehicle off. This way you won’t be wasting fuel or allowing the engine to overheat. A good rule of thumb is that if traffic is at a standstill for more than five minutes to shut the vehicle off.

 

Do your best to avoid common bottleneck areas as well. It may be due to road construction or to rush hour. It can also be the result of not enough lanes for all the traffic. If you will be traveling those roads often see if you can find alternative roads. You can access interactive maps online where you enter point A and point B. It can then give you several routes to get there.

 

Even if the alternative is one that is several more miles, it can end up saving you fuel in the long run. You will need to experiment so you can decide for yourself which route works best for you. It would be nice if the alternative was able to save you both fuel and time.

 

How much do you currently pay per gallon for gas? I am guessing it is close to $4 or more right now. If you can save 1/3 of that then you will be cutting back that cost by more than $1 per gallon. The exact cost will depend on other factors such as your vehicle and the cost of gas in your area. Yet you can see how that savings is going to add up.

Chapter 5

Keep your Vehicle in Good Working Condition

Vehicles that aren’t well cared for are going to end up using more gas than those well maintained. Don’t wait until your vehicle stalls on the highway or it won’t star to give it some attention. Preventative measures work very well when it comes to vehicle operations and to how much fuel they will use.

 

Make sure you take the time to get your oil changed regularly and to keep it full of the necessary fluids. It can save you money if you are able to take care of these things on your own. If not, make sure you schedule regular appointments. It is a good idea to have your oil changed every three months or every 3,000 miles. Go by which one of them takes place first.

 

Some people put on a great deal of miles each month while others don’t. Track this information so you don’t have to guess when your oil needs to be changed. If it takes you a year to put 3,000 miles on your car you certainly don’t want the same oil running through the engine.

 

It is vital to use a good quality of oil in your vehicle. This will help keep various aspects of it operating like it should. Check your oil often too just in case it gets low in between oil changes. When you buy oil look for the brands that offer energy conservation ingredients. This will reduce the amount of friction that is created and thus improve your fuel conservation.

 

Pay close attention to the grade of oil you use as well. Each vehicle has a standard type that is recommended so find out what it is. You may be able to still have a good operating vehicle with a different grade but it will result in your vehicle burning more fuel.

 

Pay attention to changes in how your vehicle sounds or operates. If you can hear noises that it wasn’t making before you need to have a mechanic check it out. This can prevent you from more serious damage that will occur if you don’t. It can also save you money of gas because you may have something wrong that is using more.

 

For example you may have a bad fuel injector. This means every time you start your vehicle more gas is being pushed through the valve than there should be. As a result of this you will be using excessive fuel.

 

Any time you can smell gas when you start your vehicle this is likely the problem. Your car will still operate but you won’t be as fuel efficient as you would be otherwise. Some people blow of such concerns as they don’t notice any difference in how their vehicle operates.

 

When you stop to consider how many times in a typical day you start your vehicle, that is quite a bit of fuel being wasted. Each of the fuel injectors can be replaced at a cost of about $80 including labor so it is well worth the investment. The repairs can easily be done in an afternoon for you so it won’t mean you are without your vehicle at all.

 

One of the most serious types of vehicle repairs that needs to be done to save you fuel is replacing a bad oxygen sensor. This can result in your car using about 40% more fuel than it should. That is an unbelievable amount of it that you will be losing out on.

 

While a new oxygen sensor can cost a couple hundred dollars, you will be spending at least that much in additional fuel. The amount of time it will take you to waste that much fuel depends on how many miles a day you drive. It is more cost effective to drop that money into replacing the part than it is to continue paying for gas almost twice as often as you should be.

 

For most vehicles, an air filter only costs about $3 or $4. Yet it will allow you to have about 10% more fuel efficiency on your vehicle. As a standard practice, you should have this checked each time you are either changing your oil or having someone do it for you.

 

Even if your air filter doesn’t look bad you should replace it every 3 to 4 months. Some people find that it is just as effective to take theirs out and to blow it out with pressure from an air compressor. It depends on how much effort you want to put into the process.

 

Both seem to work equally well though as long as the air filter isn’t torn or damaged. Make sure you carefully inspect it before you place it back into the vehicle. If you decide it does need replaced it is essential that you use the right size of filter.

 

They all have numbers on them that you can get from the internet, books at the automotive section, or you can have someone at the counter look it up for you. Many of them look similar in size so don’t assume which one fits without comparing the numbers first.

 

Many people check their tires on a regular basis to ensure they aren’t wearing unevenly or needing to be replaced. It is also important to check the amount of air in each of the tires. They should be within a couple of pounds of each other. You will save more fuel if you make sure this is the case.

 

It will also allow your tires to last longer so that will cut down on the expense of replacing them as often. Tires aren’t cheap so this is one expense you don’t want to have to cover if it isn’t absolutely necessary. Besides not having enough pressure in your tires is a road hazard and you don’t want that on your mind when you are driving.

 

You don’t want to have too much air in them either as that can become a very serious road hazard for you as well. Refer to your owner’s manual or look up the information on line so you can have the right amount of pounds in them. You should carry a tire gauge in your glove box for easy access.

 

Doing so will allow you to check the pressure in your tires when you are at home as well as when you are fueling up. It isn’t always easy to visually see that there isn’t the same amount of pressure in the tires so make sure you check.

 

These gauges are simple to work. You just place them on the valve and the stem will move out to show you how much air you have. If you have too much air then remove some of it. Then recheck with the gauge to make sure you didn’t let too much of it out.

 

When you add air you want to do so only a bit at a time. Check it with the gauge to make sure you are on target. Most convenient stores and gas stations have air you can get for free or for a deposit of a few quarters. Make sure you find a place to add air as soon as possible for safety and for maximum fuel efficiency.

Chapter 6

What can you Remove to Make your Vehicle Lighter?

 

The heavier your vehicle is the more gas it is going to use regardless of what speed you happen to be moving at. While you can’t do much about the base weight of it, you can remove things on it to lighten it up. Always consider the weight of a vehicle before you invest in one as well.
What are you carrying around in your trunk? Chances are you have a heavy tool box and other items in there you don’t really need. Some basic tools to change a tire as well as your spare and a flashlight are important. You may want to have a blanket in case you break down, a pair of pliers, and a couple of screwdrivers. Everything else you should be able to remove and lighten up the vehicle.

 

Some individuals have heavy speakers and sound systems in their vehicles. They fill up the backseat as well as the trunk with them. While you may love what this offers, it can be severely hindering your gas mileage. Explore some viable options so you can find out what you can do to get the sound you want without all of the weight from those speakers and amplifiers that go with it.

 

Excessive chrome on it may be weighing it down as well. Those accessories may look nice but hurting your pocketbook. Consider removing some of them for now to find out how much money you can save at the pumps. You can store them so you can put them back on later if you decide to do so.

 

One common problem with that though is to be able to add such accessories holes have been drilled into the vehicle. Many people don’t want these areas to be seen so they leave the chrome items on. Find out what you can do to be able to cover them up effectively so you can remove the weight. It may be just investing in some light cover up work.

 

When you are hauling trailers or another vehicle you need to expect to use more fuel. Make sure you don’t exceed the weight capacity for your towing vehicle. You also need to use the overdrive gears which will help to minimize the amount of additional fuel you end up using.

Chapter 7

Is it Time to get a New Vehicle?

You may find it is time to get into a new vehicle. Yours may constantly need repairs to keep it fuel efficient that are starting to really add up. It doesn’t really matter how many miles you can go on a tank of gas if you can’t get the vehicle to stay running. It isn’t safe to be in a vehicle that is known to breakdown in the middle of traffic either.

 

You will notice due to the high fuel costs many vehicle manufacturers are offering more compact and medium sized vehicles. They know that consumers aren’t looking at full sized cars, full vans, and even SUV’s as much anymore. When it costs you more than $100 to put fuel in it that isn’t setting well with anyone out there.

 

You can get some great deals on both new and used vehicles that are compact or medium sized. You do want to read the reviews and ratings on them though so you can get one that is safe and well as great on fuel. If it is used you should have it inspected by a licensed mechanic before you commit to buying it.

 

Make sure you get one that is going to be big enough for your family though. There should be enough seatbelts for each person to use. You also don’t want to deal with problems about not enough leg room or being too crowded in the back seat.

 

You can easily go online though and see what is highly recommended. Then you can evaluate the specifics of these models of vehicles when you are looking at buying one of them. Depending on how much you drive, you can save thousands of dollars each year just by changing the type of vehicle you are driving. With savings like that it is certainly worth looking into that option.

 

You will need to crunch your family budget to decide if a different vehicle is the right option or not. Yet when you evaluate a car payment of $300 and you are saving more than that in fuel costs each month it should be something you move forward with.

 

Once you take the time to see how all the numbers add up you will be in a better position to make a final decision. I can be helpful to keep track of all the fuel you put into a vehicle over the course of a month. You may be spending more for it than you realize if you get small amounts each time.

 

If you are interested there are also hybrid models to select from. They operate either from solar power or electricity. They contain a series of batteries that store up this energy. When that energy source has been depleted the vehicle will automatically revert to the use of the fuel in it.

 

These days you will notice that there are quite a few nice hybrid models to choose from. Just about every major car manufacturer is offering them. You can get certain models in either format. The one downside is that you may have to order a hybrid in a certain model if there aren’t enough of them readily available. As the demand for such vehicles continues to increase that is to be expected.

This can be a great way to cut down on the amount of fuel you use each day in your vehicle. Of course hybrid vehicles are more expensive but they also save you a great deal of money in the long run. There are government rebates on them too that you want to check out. These can really help to offset the overall cost of the vehicle to you.

Chapter 8

Additional Tips that can Help your Car go Further with Less Gas

Here are some great additional tips to help you go further in your care with less gas. Implementing as many of them as you can will really help you to be less affected by high fuel prices. They don’t show any sign of going down in the near future so it is wise to find ways to save money.

 

First, do your best to commute as little as possible. If you find it is always busy in the mornings and evenings when you go to and from work, leave home earlier. By doing so by about 30 minutes you can beat the congestion and save fuel.

 

See if your boss will allow you to leave 30 minutes earlier too in exchange for coming in before your scheduled time. It can really be helpful. If not, use that time to balance your checkbook, write a letter, take a walk in the vicinity of where you work, or any other way to kill time. That way you won’t be taking time out of your day later on to complete such tasks.

 

It is understandable you may not be able to trade in your gas guzzler for something that uses less. If you have a large family, a lease, or you have paid off your vehicle and don’t want another payment is it all understood. Yet you must balance their comfort with what you can afford.

 

However, you may consider getting an older compact vehicle as well. By investing a bit of money in such a vehicle you can use it commute to and from work. This is a great way for you to save money on the cost of gas. You can use your normal vehicle when you travel out of town or you have the entire family with you.

 

It is wise to start looking into this option now though. As gas prices continue to soar they are being purchased rather quickly. If you have one you no longer need put it for sale and in no time at all you will have plenty of potential buyers coming your way.

 

Do try to carpool as much as you can to and from work. If you can trade of weeks of driving with a co-worker you will cut your costs in half. Check to see if other parents on your children’s sports teams are willing to carpool as well. This way instead of everyone taking a trip to and from the practice field each night you can do so only a couple of times per week.

 

So not only will it be saving you time but it will save you going to the gas pumps as well. That is certainly something to smile about. It is great when kids are involved in activities but it can be time consuming which mean you have more to do in the evenings. You will find collaborating with other parents is beneficial in more ways than one.

 

Get more organized and plan your week as well. For example if you need to go to the bank then hit the dry cleaners, post office, and other places in town at the same time. Plan your meals and create a menu so you aren’t making additional trips to the grocery store either.

Chapter 9

Evaluating the Results of your Efforts

If you are willing to learn about what you can do personally to save money then it can work for you. It is going require you to pay attention to some significant details. In order for you to find out if you have benefited from the changes you have to be able go effectively monitor them.

 

Start out by getting a  notebook and pen you can keep in your glove box. This way you can access information when you need to write it down. You can also review what has taken place. Do you currently know how many miles to the gallon your vehicle gets? If not you need to find out before you can see improvements.

 

Try to get your gas tank as close to empty as you can without letting it run out of gas. Then fill it up with as much fuel as it will take. Yes, this can be expensive but you need to do it in order to make this work correctly. Make sure you write down the mileage before you leave the filling station as well as the number of gallons of gas you got.

 

When your gas gauge once again gets to where it is almost empty but not completely out of gas write down your mileage again. Subtract these two numbers to determine how many miles you went on that tank of gas. Then divide that number by the gallons of gas you got when you filled up.

 

This number will represent the total number of miles per gallon of gas you were able to drive. Now you should implement the various hypermiling concepts that you can in order to use less fuel. Keep on recording your miles per gallon in the same format as above.

 

You should start to see some significant improvements which will ensure you that these methods do work. If you see your miles per gallon dropping then you need to re-evaluate your changes or inspect your vehicle for possible repairs that need to be done.

 

No one out there wants to admit that they aren’t a perfect driver. But you may be much more aggressive than you realize. By paying close attention to your driving habits you can start to eliminate some of them. Don’t give in to the temptation to speed or to pass everyone who is right in front of you on the road.

 

Following too closely behind the person in front of you is very dangerous. It will also result in more gas being used because each time you brake your car has to get going again. Make sure take your foot off the gas when you see a stop sign or red light coming up too. Don’t wait until you are upon it to stomp on the brakes.

 

If you often drive aggressively due to running late, you need to plan better. Make it a priority to give yourself plenty of time to get where you are headed. Reward yourself too when you are able to do so without incident for a specific period of time.

Chapter 10

Conclusion

If you haven’t found yourself involved in the concepts of hypermiling yet, it is time to take action. Now that you have the right information on what it is and how to implement it there should be nothing stopping you. There aren’t any negatives to hypermiling but definitely plenty of benefits for you to take advantage of.

 

Consumers have noticed that prices aren’t just going up in the area of fuel either. There is a higher cost at the grocery store too which is an additional burden on families. By being able to get more miles with less gas you will definitely be able to save money. You may need it to cover the grocery bill or additional expenses.

 

There are many things you can start doing right now to help you drive more fuel efficiently. At first it is going to take a great deal of effort to remember to implement them. It is often best to stick to a couple at a time. Once you have them down you can add a few more.

 

A common mistake is trying to do all the methods of hypermiling at once. This can result in a person becoming overwhelmed. As a result they don’t stick with and then they don’t see the benefits. Take a breath and take your time as it will benefit you if you take it one step at a time.

 

As you can see there are many ways in which you can reduce the amount of fuel it takes for you to get your vehicle from one place to the next. Your efforts won’t get the numbers at the gas pumps to drop but hopefully they will allow you to breathe easier as you pass them.

 

There are so many benefits to hypermiling in addition to saving money that you should make them a part of your lifestyle. Teach your children early about such benefits as well. That way when they are old enough to drive on their own they will be able to incorporate them as well.

 

This is the type of hands on learning that we need to pass along to future generations. It will allow them to get the rewards from such resources without spending more than they have to in order to do so. There certainly are many younger generations right now in high school and college that can benefit from saving money at the pumps as well.

 

As the cost of fuel continues to increase you can be sure there will be additional thoughts and ideas in the area of hypermiling. Make sure you keep yourself up to date on them. That way you can immediately start to reap the rewards they offer. Until fuel prices drop or someone offers an alternative option for fuel that we can use in our current vehicles this is the most viable option we have available to us.

 

I hope you will take this information and really make it work well for you. There is plenty of opportunity and that is something you want to grasps onto immediately with both hands. The sooner you do the sooner you will be able to save some money on your fuel costs. You will be amazed at just how much it adds up to in the end.

Helpful Links

1) Convert Your Car To Burn Water + Gasoline = Triple Your Mileage!

2) Renewable Energy Solutions : 1. Build A Wind Generator 2. Biodiesel 3. Install Solar Panels 4. Build Your Own Home 5. Renewable Energy Solutions For Home, Car And Business

3) Alternative Energy Resources. Understanding and Installing Your Own Solar Electric System. Includes Worksheets,& Resources.

4) Keeping My Earth Green. You Can Learn How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint And Help Reverse The Effects Of Global Warming.

5) Solar Power Design Manual. Teach Yourself All About Solar Power. Comprehensive Manual By Genuine Expert. Spreadsheet Included.

 

Filed Under: Hypermiling Tagged With: car, further, gas, go, how, hypermiling, less, make, to, with, your

Gas-saving Devices: Fuel Saver or Consumer Scam?

February 24, 2011 By adminek Leave a Comment
Gas-saving Devices: Fuel Saver or Consumer Scam?

Chapter 1

Introduction

There are plenty of products on the market for consumers to choose from. Most of the time they evolve based on the needs of society. When there is a trend taking place then you will see many different products emerge that can meet the new need people have.

 

Some of them have been around for many years but people just don’t notice them. They aren’t recognized until there is a significant need for them. Older products may change how they advertise and even change the name of the product in order to get a facelift in the public eye.

 

It is no secret to anyone that gas prices have continued to rise to unbelievable prices over the past couple of years. While there has been a steady increase all along, nothing has taken place like it has in the past six months. It sees like the prices at the pumps are increasing every couple of days.

 

That has many consumers scared to death and scrambling for a solution. They aren’t making more money but continue have more expenses to cover. The more your drive your vehicle they more you are affected by these increasing fuel prices. It can be a very scary time if you already have a thin budget to work with.

 

It may only be by a few cents but that quickly adds up to too much per gallon. The fact that the prices tend to go up every week isn’t helping. In the end you are likely paying more money when you fill up than ever before. This has also lead to an increase in the cost of everything else.

 

That is because it is taking more money for suppliers to get it delivered. All of that price increase is being passed on to the consumer. Trucking companies have to pay more for fuel to get supplies to lumber yards, groceries and supplies to stores, and even to transport fuel to the gas stations. They can’t stay in business if they don’t increase what they charge for such deliveries.

 

As a result the places they are delivering materials to have to increase what they charge in order to make a profit. This is a continuous cycle with the final consumer getting the short end of the stick. This has resulted in people traveling less and buying fewer items that aren’t essential.

 

With very little chance that gas prices are going to drop, people are looking for alternatives. That is why business entrepreneurs are offering a variety of gas saving devices. The controversy though is that some people believe they work while others are convinced they are nothing more than a scam.

 

There are hundreds of such products out there available and that is appealing to consumers. They are tired of paying high amounts for gas and they are willing to do all they can in order to find a way out of it. Advertisers of such products know this and they continue to appeal to the emotions of these consumers in order to sell more of their products.

 

Before you buy one of them you need to do your homework. You need to find out what other consumers have to say about it. You definitely don’t want to waste your time or money on something that isn’t going to be effective. There is no reason to hand over the cash until you know  you are getting a legitimate product with a high level of credibility behind it.

 

The Federal Trade Commission has issued several warnings about the use of gas saving devices. Therefore it is very important for you to be sure you know what you are paying for. If it sounds too good to be true than more than likely it is. Don’t find out after you have paid for the product.

 

The Federal Trade Commission has tested more than 100 products on the market that claim a person can save 20% or more on their gas expenses. However, this agency wasn’t able to verify any of these products could offer those results or any significant benefit at all.

 

You may be familiar with particular fuel saving products that have been advertised. They all fall into particular categories depending on how you use them and what methods they incorporate. Keep reading to find out reliable information on each of these categories.

 

Chapter 2

Oil and Gas Additives

One of the most popular types of gas saving devices are oil and gas additives. Chances are you have seen many of them advertised in magazines and you can find them on the shelves of the stores you frequent. If you haven’t noticed them before you should take a look for them.

 

One thing you will notice is that they all have claims that they can provide you with better gas mileage than you get right now. Some of them claim to be FDA approved and such but that isn’t the case. It does make you wonder though why they are able to place such items on the shelves when the FDA denies approving such products.

 

Some of these are products you pour into your gas tank when you feel up at the pump. You simply put the contents into your tank first and then continue to fuel up as you normally would. Since it does take up some room it will reduce the amount of gas you have to put into it but not improve your overall miles per gallon that you will burn while operating your vehicle.

 

There are a variety of ingredients added to your gas when you pour such an additive into your gas tank. They include tin, magnesium, and platinum which these marketers will tell you is good for removing compounds that settle into the bottom of your gas tank.

 

Never use a fuel additive that contains acetone as it can damage plastic parts in your fuel system by dissolving them. Some individuals claim that a small amount of acetone won’t harm your fuel system but it can be hard to gauge when you have gone over that amount. Also, it really hasn’t been proven to help cut back on the cost of gas so that is quite a risk to be taking.

 

In general, these additive  products won’t harm your vehicle but generally aren’t necessary to add. Such gas saving products are marketed in a way to give you the impression that you are getting something your gas tank needs to be more efficient.

 

That is the key selling point and many consumers take the bait. They go out and buy several bottles of this additive and keep it in their vehicle. Each time they approach the pump to fill up they dump a bottle of it in there thinking they are doing the right thing. However, doing so really isn’t necessary.

 

This is because gasoline has ingredients in it that will naturally do the same thing without you adding anything. Even though these fuel additives are very reasonably priced they still seem to be a waste of money as they haven’t been proven to be effective.  The gas you have to pay for to move your vehicle is already taking care of the same concerns so why pay for something you don’t need?

 

Those that are offered for the oil generally come already mixed in the oil for your car. You just add it like you would any other brand or type of oil. It is important that you always use the right grade of motor oil in order to get the most fuel mileage from your vehicle. You can find this information in your owners’ manual as well as on the internet.

 

The understanding of gas savings behind these oils is that the lower velocity that is present the less friction will be created. However, you can really do severe damage to your vehicle if you are using something other than what it requires. You may end up needing to replace your entire engine before it is all said and done.

 

Some testing has shown changing the velocity of the oil doesn’t seem to affect the operations of certain vehicles. As a consumer though you have to ask yourself if you are willing to take the chance that such a product may damage your vehicle.  Most people will agree it isn’t something they want to risk being on the losing side of.

 

There doesn’t seem to be a good reason to take that risk either. There hasn’t been any substantial evidence to suggest oil additives are going to increase your gas mileage. Yet these are very popular products that people continue to buy and place into their vehicle.

 

Oil and gas additives aren’t very expensive and you can generally buy them at any location that sales automotive products. Most full stores offer oil, filters, and these various additives so you can get all the supplies you need for the maintenance of your vehicle at one time.

 

You may be tempted to buy such products that you see on the shelves while you are buying the other items you need. However, you need to be careful about what you put into your vehicle. It could end up doing more damage than good. You can read reviews about specific products out there online so it is a good idea to do so before you go ahead and purchase any of them.

 

Chapter 3

Magnetic Devices

Magnets are quite interesting because they have the ability to attract and repel due to the energy they create. We can all probably remember science experiments in school that dealt with magnets. They were actually very fun to play with and to see what they could do.

 

Magnets of all different sizes are used in our society for a variety of things. We use them to keep things on the refrigerator, to search for items, and to operate various types of devices. Many people view magnets as something scientific though so they assume it may be logical to try using them to save money when it comes to fuel costs.

 

Many consumers like this idea because they aren’t adding anything to their vehicle in the form of a liquid which often makes them worried. The magnets can be added or removed any time you feel like it. They like the thought of being able to get results without the risk of ruining some part of their engine.

 

There is also the fact that you don’t have to remember to buy them all the time. With additives you need to get a good supply of them and then remember to use them at the right times. With the magnets you can simply put them on once and then not worry about it again.

 

Magnets that are offered for reducing the amount of gas that your car uses will cost you between $15 and $40 so that isn’t too much of an overall investment. They can improve your gas mileage ever so slightly but not enough that you will get any real savings out of it. We are talking 10th of a gallon when it comes to measuring the benefits.

 

These magnets are secured to the fuel line and are believed to change the molecular structure of the gasoline. As a result the types of metals that are used to ionize the fuel will no longer be there. This may all sound good in theory but the reality is that it doesn’t do anything for your gas mileage that is significant enough for you to save any money.

 

Magnetic gas saving products often have the biggest claims when it comes to how much gas you can save. Many of them boost about a savings of 20% -25% but the testing on such products hasn’t shown hardly any benefit at all, let alone something that substantial.

 

There is a popular TV show called MythBusters where they take certain products and test them out to see what the results are. They did a show about the use of magnets to increase fuel mileage a while back. You can see parts of it on their website if you missed it.

 

Several different brands of magnets advertised for saving gas were tried out but the results were similar with all of the ones they tried. They were able to control the variables and tried the use of the magnets under a variety of different conditions.

 

They didn’t find them to be difficult to put on the vehicle or to remove. They also didn’t find them to offer any significant benefit in the area of gas mileage from them. So the best bet is to skip these types of gas saving devices and use your money for something else.

 

Chapter 4

Air Injection Products

Many of the gas saving devices on the market right now fall into the category of a vortex generator. The name of it sounds like something very fancy and that would be complicated to work with. Once you understand the concept of it though it is easy to see how people would assume it could help cut down their use of gas.

 

This allows there to be air mixed between the air cleaner and the intake manifold. The process resembles a tornado but on a much smaller scale. There isn’t anything type of additive with various ingredients being added to your vehicle which makes consumers happy.

 

Since there is an unlimited supply of air nothing has to be added to it later on either. These products claim to work by mixing more air with the gas in your vehicle than what is normally found in it. This is to allow it to burn cleaner when it enters the combustion chamber.

 

Yet what you will find is that your speed is reduced due to this method and so that can result in gas being saved. For those that drive over 60 miles per hour the most savings will be evident.

 

However, if you plan to be taking that vehicle on a highway with a speed limit of 75 miles per hour you will have a hard time getting to that speed as well as maintaining it.  Your vehicle may start to run sluggish which can mean something with it isn’t being properly operated like it should.

 

Your vehicle will have to work very hard and that can result in more wear on it. If you have to slow down or stop often it will also reduce fuel efficiency. When you consider the distance a person may travel for fun or to get back and forth to work at those higher speeds it can really be a recipe for disaster for our vehicle. Some of the air injection products offered claim that they can create more heat, and that reduces friction.

 

As a result of less friction there is less fuel consumed. It is said that there is less work for the liquid gas to be changed into a vapor. The understanding of this particular technique is complex to many people. Therefore they don’t look into it any further.

 

What is often ironic about gas saving devices and products is that is seems the more complicated they are to understand the more people invest in them. The general consensus of this is that it must be some scientific formula that will work and so it doesn’t matter if the consumer understands it or not.

 

Well, you can be sure that the manufacturers and the marketers know this. If the gas saving device is too simple then it won’t hold water with most people. Add some tricky terms though and a process that is complex to follow and it will seem logical in many ways. After all not everyone knows ways to save money on gas so they may be on to something.

 

Regardless of if you understand what that process entails or not, the testing that has been done on many products by professional organizations shows they don’t really work. There isn’t enough significance with that process to allow you to save money on your gas expenses.

 

You need to get the name of the particular product you are interested in and do your own research on it as well. Chances are there have been reviews of it from individual consumers. You will also find those done by experts that aren’t biased one way or the other. They call it as they see it simply by monitoring their gas mileage before and after using it on a particular vehicle.

 

All of the data that they use is recorded and shared so there isn’t any secret about how they derived at their final report on things. It is hard to argue with such testing methods when you can see they have done every single step by the book and not gotten the promised results with the given product.

 

One of these testing gurus is Popular Mechanics. They are well known for offering information and advice about various types of vehicles. They stay on top of current issues and events including high gas prices. They aren’t about to allow their loyal readers to be taken for a ride to listen to what they have to say.

 

There are many air injection products for gas saving offered on the market. Yet according to Popular Mechanics many of them never even get around to actually adding more air to the fuel like they claim. They believe it just isn’t possible for this to really take place with the design of the vehicles system.

 

This is due to the fact that there is likely to be too much space between where they air intake is and where the fuel is mixed. It doesn’t really matter which type of vehicle you are driving around in, this set up is standard. You can have it modified which will cost you a great deal of money which we will cover in chapter 6.

 

Chapter 5

Be Wary of the Testimonials that a Product Offers

Testimonials are a sure fire way to motivate people to buy what you have for sale with any type of product. You will find that many gas saving devices feature such testimonials from very satisfied consumers. Before you let this make the decision to buy them for you there are a few things you need to know.

 

While these testimonials may be real, they often don’t show the entire story. For example someone may start their testimonial letter out by saying they got an addition 5 miles per gallon from their car as soon as they started using the product. That is a legitimate claim they have made. Yet the company doesn’t include all of the information that was provided, jus the part that really gets the attention of the reader.

 

That letter may have gone on to say how they have gotten their car repaired and tuned up. It can also contain information on how they are driving differently. Those additional factors are likely a big part of what is allowing them to get an addition 5 miles per gallon.

 

So it isn’t just that they started using a particular gas saving device and it  make that huge impact for them. There is no way for a consumer to know the rest of the story from what is written. There is nothing you can do about this marketing method either.

 

Since they aren’t lying about what the consumer said they can’t be fined or face any repercussions. There is no law that says they have to print the entire testimonial. They just have to be from real people and be in the same words as what was originally written by the person. So

 

So they can begin with the beginning, middle, or end of a particular testimonial. They take the pieces they want and leave the rest of it. Therefore I caution you to put too much credibility behind the testimonials that are offered for such products.

 

There may be some truth to them but remember that they only publish what they want you to see in regards to their product. All those letters they get that are complaints never will be part of their advertising either. Those people may get a refund or nothing at all.

 

You may be able to find the discontent though with various gas saving products by reading information online. People are very willing to share their experiences in such areas with others so that they won’t fall into the same trap. This can save you money so pay attention to the information that can be accessed with any search engine.

 

You also need to understand that what may work well for one vehicle isn’t right for another. It is the same concept that applies to products such as medications and even diet pills. There are plenty of people who claim to get results but for the majority of the population they aren’t effective enough to make a difference.

 

This is due to the fact that each vehicle has significant variables. Even the same exact make, model, and year of a vehicle may have different gas mileage associated with it. The way in which the car is cared for and the driving habits of those who use it also have to be taken into consideration.

 

Chapter 6

Gas Saving Devices and Products that can Work

So far the outlook for gas saving devices and products has been quite grim. The major vehicle manufacturers continue to try to develop something that can work in order to make their cars more appealing to consumers. Built in fuel savings can be accomplished not with gadgets but with attention given in the areas of the design of the vehicle as well as the engine.

 

This is because it is much easier to sale a vehicle when it has many features that consumers will be looking for. A great style of car on the outside, nice paint job, and stylish interior simply isn’t enough anymore. It is important to note though that these big corporations with highly educated engineers haven’t found the secret to significant gas savings methods.

 

If they were out there then they would be incorporating the design on these newer models of vehicles. That reality alone should really get consumers to wake up and see what has been taking place around them all this time. They need to stop paying for ineffective products that are being sold due to the need people have to really save some money on gas.

 

Sure there are some ideas that have worked out well to accomplish significant gas savings. There isn’t any reason to fully discount everything across the board. The biggest issue though are that you can’t implement them without spending far more money than you will ever save. The ends don’t justify the means and so consumers are stuck right back where they started.

 

Here are some examples of ways you can save money on fuel costs but that are just too expensive to move forward with. There have been successful attempts to modify the calibration of the engine in some models of vehicles to save on fuel. However, this process has to be done by a certified mechanic.

 

The price tag is between $10,000 and $12,000 which is often more than the value of the vehicle for many individuals. You would need to keep that car for at least 12 years and be putting at least 1,500 miles on the vehicle per month during that span of time to get your investment back.

 

The amount of fuel savings isn’t substantial enough to justify that type of investment in the vehicle. You won’t be able to get a return on it because you won’t save that much money in fuel over the course of the time you own that vehicle. Very few people keep a regularly used vehicle for that length of time. There is also the issue that if it is involved in an accident and can’t be driven you are definitely out all the money you invested in this process.

 

It does have some value in our society though for those with a great deal of money to spend in order to use as little gas as possible. The process has been done to many professional vehicles though including semi trucks and race cars. When you consider a semi truck generally gets about 4-7 miles per gallon you really need to maximize the fuel efficiency.

 

In racing events every little bit of fuel you can reserve will give you an edge over the competition. For example the NASCAR drivers need to be able to evaluate when they will go in for fuel. Being able to go an extra lap over the competition can make the difference between coming in 5th and coming in 1st.

 

Most consumers are interested in the gas saving devices for their own personal vehicles though not those used commercially or for sporting events such as racing. There are a couple of devices you can have installed inside of your vehicle that do show a very small improvement. There are accessory driver modifiers which will periodically turn off devices including the air conditioning at certain times.

 

These can be effective if you have many accessories that will result in higher fuel costs. There are also censors that will notify you of behaviors you engage in that can increase your fuel consumption. For example if you need to shift to a lower gear or you need to reduce your speed.

 

This can be helpful if you want to make changes to your driving behaviors but you often need a reminder to assist you with it. You won’t be as likely to continue slipping into those older modes of behavior because you will have a constant way to remember it while behind the wheel of the vehicle.

 

Again, both of these types of devices are extremely expensive to install. They can range from $7,000 to $15,000. There doesn’t seem to be enough of a fuel savings to warrant installing them for most people.

 

Perhaps there will be future car models that offer them built in when you buy them. Even so, those models of cars are going to be more expensive than what is offered without them. The manufacturer of these vehicles is going to have to pass that cost on to the person who buys it.

 

What holds manufacturers back from doing so is that they need to have very competitive prices. There are too many different makes and models of vehicles that people can purchase. When price is a factor consumers aren’t going to pay for higher priced vehicles and so they have to balance what is practical and profitable for them into that overall equation.

 

Based on this information, there doesn’t seem to be and affordable gas saving devices out there that would really improve your gas mileage and cut back on your expenses in this area. It appears that if you want to make such changes you are going to have to take matters into your own hands.

 

Researchers may be on the right track though so one day it is possible that they will come up with something both effective and affordable for the average person to purchase. Of course that doesn’t leave us with a very pretty picture right now does it?

 

Don’t despair though as there are some things you can start doing right away to improve your gas mileage. They aren’t gimmicks or crazy ideas that someone else is going to make money off of. They are realistic approaches that you can certainly see benefits from in a short span of time.

 

Chapter 7

Save Money on Gas with Hypermiling Strategies

With all of the negativity out there about gas saving devices and products that just don’t work, you may be better off to put your time and money into other efforts that have been known to work rather well.

 

You can be sure if a really effective gas saving device does come onto the market it will be in the news, online, and people will be talking about it. In the mean time do what you can to save yourself as much money as you can. It can prevent you from being as stressed out when you see that gas gauge towards empty.

 

A very effective method you may want to incorporate into your gas saving efforts is hypermiling. It means you will be able to change some of your behaviors, get your vehicle in top operating shape, and maximize fuel efficiency. You will also be able to monitor your progress without any gadgets.

 

This is a proven way for you to save money without buying any type of product at all. In addition, it will help you to have a vehicle that last longer. You won’t be needing a new one any time soon when it is well maintained. It will also help to reduce the risk of vehicle related accidents.

 

How often do you change the oil on your vehicle?  This should be a standard practice every 3,000 miles or every 3 months. Which every one you get to first is what you go with. Most places that change your oil will put a sticker on the inside of the windshield. It will tell you the date and the mileage so you can easily view that information.

 

Having the right amount of air in your tires will help to reduce the amount of fuel you use as well. You need to check your owner’s manual to see how much pounds of pressure you should have in each of them. Too much or too little isn’t safe either so always keep a close eye on this.

 

Get your vehicle a tune up every six months to a year as well depending on how many miles you put on it. At this time they can do a complete inspection for you. Don’t wait until something is really wrong with your vehicle before you get it looked at.

 

A leaking fuel injector, clogged air filter, or an old oxygen sensor won’t prevent your vehicle from operating. However, it will increase the amount of fuel you have to use in order to get around. It is more cost effective to repair or replace these items in order to save you money in the long run.

 

By maintaining a constant speed you will use less fuel in you vehicle. It is when you accelerate and slow down all the time that you end up using more of it. If that is your style of driving then you can modify it. Stop speeding to get places on time and plan better so you can leave earlier.

 

Instead of rushing to pass the cars in front of you set your cruise control. This way you can stay at a constant speed. You also want to leave enough room between you and the car in front of you. This will require less breaking and so your car won’t use as much fuel to get back into motion again.

 

Making changes to your regular routine is also a big part of hypermiling. Think about carpooling to work and for your children’s activities whenever possible. This will reduce the amount of trips you make per week in your vehicle.

 

You also need to schedule errands and other outings so you aren’t covering the same ground over and over again. Plan when you will go to the grocery store and everything you need for a one or two week period. This way you won’t be having to go back and forth for select ingredients to complete your meals.

 

Hypermiling has become quite popular as a method for saving money on gas. It doesn’t require buying any type of device and most of the options are extremely affordable or cost nothing at all. An oil change generally runs about $30 which is no big deal. Other vehicle repairs are going to cost more but you still need to get them taken care of.

 

It is great if you can do the work on your own as you will only have to pay for the cost of the parts. When a mechanic does it for you there is also the cost of labor included. The sooner you get such repairs done though the faster you can start saving money on your gas expenses. It will also help you get more life out of your vehicle.

 

These strategies are definitely worth looking into to see how you can benefit from them. Since they are supported by the United States government, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Public Safety that makes them very credible too in the eyes of the consumer.

 

Hypermiling has proven to be much more valuable for those interested in saving money on gas than various types of devices and products on the market. If you want to see how they can work for you get a tank of gas. Keep track of the mileage and how many gallons of fuel you put in.

 

When you are out of gas determine how many miles you went on that tank of gas. When you divide that amount by the number of gallons you purchased you get the amount of miles per gallon.

 

Now Implement one or two of the hypermiling strategies before you fill up the second time. Keep track of your miles per gallon using that same formula. You will see some differences and hopefully that will encourage you to continue with these methods. You can also consider implementing a couple more of them to give yourself even better gas mileage.

Chapter 8

Conclusion

With gas prices continuing to soar, consumers are looking for every possible way to save money on it. If you take a look at what is offered you will find plenty of different gas saving devices offered. Most of them don’t seem to be very effective though. This is quite disheartening when you consider that this is a $25 million industry in 2007 alone.

 

According to the experts, about 95% of the gas saving products offered don’t stand up to the claims they make. They also don’t make enough of a difference to justify buying them. That can be extremely disappointing but that is the reality of it. So why do so many consumers continue to buy them?

 

First, they want to believe they work because they do want to be able to save money on their fuel costs. That is certainly understandable as we have all been affected by the high prices. They also see so many of the products on the market that they assume they must be working or they wouldn’t be offered. This is why such products continue to sell at very high rates.

 

Those are the consumers who aren’t taking the time to do their research before they invest in them either. They many end up purchasing several different gas saving products and devices before they finally see the big picture and how ineffective they have been.

 

They read the testimonials with the products or see the advertisements and decide that is what they need to purchase. They are in a hurry to access it and to benefit from it. Instead they end up losing their money and being disappointed. You should always pursue a refund when such gas saving products fail to give you the results that they advertise.

 

Some of the research conducted by Popular Mechanics has even proven that a handful of these so called gas saving devices actually end up increasing the amount of fuel that you use. That certainly isn’t the type of result you want to get from something like this that you pay for to use in your vehicles.

 

Therefore consumers really need to take their time choosing such products that are right for them. Take the time to read information online and see what is really going on with them. The information you get from other consumers is going to prove to be extremely valuable to you.

 

It should carry more weight with you than the business advertisements for such products. These will be honest reviews from real people who have been in your position before. It is quite likely the information they offer will prevent you from making a purchase of that particular gas saving device.

 

Making a well informed decision before you invest in this type of product is very wise. You don’t want to become frustrated or disappointed due to the results you get. It is also a good idea to look for those that offer a money back guarantee. This way you will be able to get your investment back if you aren’t 100% satisfied with what you purchase.

 

There is no argument that everyone needs to do what they can in order to save money on gas right now. But that doesn’t necessarily mean buying gas saving products is the way to go. Many consumers have been able to successfully incorporate the concepts of hypermiling to save money without any real investment.

 

For example, simply changing your driving habits can result in a significant amount of gas being conserved. In the end you will have to decide which gas saving methods are right for you. There are certainly many different choices that you are being offered right now.

 

From what has been reported from reputable agencies, there aren’t really effective gas saving devices and gadgets out there to really help you. There are plenty of in depth reports online about specific products you can read. This is better than buying them and trying them out on your own.

It can be frustrating paying high gas prices but be careful what you get encouraged to buy on the market during this difficult time. Your best bet is going to be to keep your car running properly and improving your driving habits.

 

Helpful Links

1) Convert Your Car To Burn Water + Gasoline = Triple Your Mileage!

2) Renewable Energy Solutions : 1. Build A Wind Generator 2. Biodiesel 3. Install Solar Panels 4. Build Your Own Home 5. Renewable Energy Solutions For Home, Car And Business

3) Alternative Energy Resources. Understanding and Installing Your Own Solar Electric System. Includes Worksheets,& Resources.

4) Keeping My Earth Green. You Can Learn How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint And Help Reverse The Effects Of Global Warming.

5) Solar Power Design Manual. Teach Yourself All About Solar Power. Comprehensive Manual By Genuine Expert. Spreadsheet Included.

 

Filed Under: Gas Saving Devices Tagged With: consumer, devices, fuel, gassaving, or, saver, scam

Scooters, Mopeds, and Other Fuel Efficient Vehicles

February 24, 2011 By adminek 1 Comment
ebookflat

Introduction

The cost of gas is more now than it has every been. In many locations people are paying twice as much per gallon as they were two years ago. There is information circulating in the news and online that the prices are just going to continue to get higher.

 

This has many consumers very concerned as they don’t know what they should do. Certainly they can’t afford to continue just paying the posted price at the pumps. Yet they can’t stop going to work or about their daily routine that requires them to use a vehicle.

 

A good strategy that many people are leaning towards more and more is more fuel efficient vehicles. These can get you where you need to go with less gas being used. Of course you want to be able to do so comfortably and safely as well as saving money.

 

You have several options when it comes to fuel efficient vehicles so take your time to evaluate them and make a good choice. You may find a combination of them is the way to go. For example a motorcycle to get to work and then a fuel efficient hybrid car for the family to get around in.

 

There are plenty of benefits to each of the various fuel efficiency vehicles as well as some disadvantages. We will go over each of these areas for them so you can make a well informed decision that works for you.

 

The goal is to be safe, save money, and to be comfortable. You should be able to find at least one fuel efficient vehicle that can do this. Once you are done reading this you should have all the information you need to make a decision that is right for you.

Chapter 2

Types of Fuel Efficient Vehicles

It is important that you understand your options when it comes to fuel efficient vehicles. There are many different types that you can choose from. Some of them only have two wheels while others have four. In the category of two wheels you have motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters.

 

In many ways they are all the same but there are enough significant differences to classify them differently. For example a motorcycle can obtain much higher speeds that a moped or scooter. There are also laws that pertain to where you can ride mopeds and scooters.

 

They often aren’t allowed on highways and freeways were there is a very high speed limit. They are mainly used for in town riding. There is also a lower age limit in many areas for them than motorcycles. You will have to refer to the specific laws and regulations in your particular area though.

 

Those fuel efficient vehicles that feature four wheels include hybrids, those that operate off of bio-diesel, and fuel efficient gas powered cars. All of them feature a variety of different models by various manufacturers. Since they are becoming more in demand you will find that more of them are being offered in order to keep up with consumer demands.

Chapter 3

Motorcycles

In the past it seems that motorcycles were only used by most people as a secondary vehicle. They allowed a person to get out into the open environment and enjoy a nice day. They were also great for long road trips when you wanted to see what the open road had to offer you. Today you will notice many more motorcycles out there on the road due to the cost of fuel. People are using them to commute to work and to complete other essential travels. You can get many more miles out of a motorcycle than a car.

 

Yet you can’t rely upon a motorcycle when they weather is bad. If you live in a region where the temperatures turn really cold and snow is common then that motorcycle will need to be stored. You may be on it and end up in a rain storm on a sunny afternoon as well.

 

You also can’t drive a motorcycle to the grocery store or to pick up the dry cleaning. Even so, you can use it as much as possible when the weather is nice and you don’t have such errands to run. That will save you money on gas a great deal of the time anyway.

 

Then you can use your other vehicle for the rest of the time and do your best to cut costs on it any way that you can when it comes to filling up at the pump. Just make sure you take a look at the cost of motorcycle insurance and other factors so you can budget for the cost.

 

Since you are out in the open there is more risk of serious injury when you get involved in a motorcycle accident. Too many motorists on the road don’t pay attention to motorcycles as they are small. They can end up in the blind spot when a driver is attempting to switch lanes as well.

 

Make sure you always wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, and a helmet when you operate a motorcycle. You want to protect your body as much as you can in the event that any accident does occur. A helmet can definitely save your life so don’t leave it behind even if you are only going for a very short trip.

 

Motorcycle prices are relatively affordable though but it depends on what you want. The size of the motor as well as the brand will influence the price. You can get a stock model or have one custom make for you. Make sure you compare the cost of a new one versus a used one so you can get the best deal.

 

Of course not everyone is comfortable operating a motorcycle. It can take time to learn the rules of it. You don’t want to buy one until you know how to operate one. See if you can get a friend or family member to help you learn on their motorcycle.

 

Some retailers will offer free lessons too if they know you are interested in learning to ride. Ask about this to see what details they can provide. Take your time to get comfortable on a motorcycle though before you rush into driving it on the road with other vehicles.

 

It isn’t just men who are out there looking at motorcycles though. Many women are as well. In fact, there are certain models of them offered by top manufacturers including Harley Davidson just for women. They are lighter so they won’t be as difficult to keep balanced.

 

Take the time to make sure any motorcycle you are going to operate is a good match for your size. You should be able to touch the ground with both feed flat when you have it level. The weight of it needs to be manageable for you as well.

 

Be sure to check the distance between your arms and the handle bars. If you aren’t comfortable then you need one with a shorter reach. There are different sizes of engines in motorcycles and that will result in various amounts of power behind the throttle. Make sure you take a look at what is offered so you won’t have any surprises.

 

You may need to take a written and verbal test at your local DMV in order to obtain a motorcycle license as well. Check to see what regulations are in place in your area. That way you aren’t breaking the law in any way in order to save money on gas prices.

Chapter 4

Mopeds

 

A moped is similar to a motorcycle in a variety of ways. It isn’t a mode of fuel efficient transportation that you can use to travel on the highways though. The highest speed they offer is about 31 miles per hour. You would be a hazard to yourself and others on busy roads only going that fast.

 

A moped features a very small engine as well. They don’t offer anything more than a 50cc motor. This means you will have enough power to get out there and do what you need to but not enough to really harm yourself. Still, you should always wear a helmet when you operate one just to be safe.

 

In most states you must be at least 16 years of age to get a valid license to operate one. This often requires completing a course of instruction as well as a written test. The rules can vary so make sure you find out how they apply in your own area.

 

For example in many locations if you already have a valid driver’s license in that state that was issued before 2001 you are exempt from the above process. You are automatically able to operate a moped in town without having to obtain the additional licensing.

 

They are really great for in town though and they are very simple to operate. It doesn’t take as much effort to balance one as it does with a motorcycle. That is because they are extremely lightweight. They also cost only a couple of thousand dollars new. You can get a used one for even less than that if you take the time to look in the right places.

 

Most of the mopeds out there feature a basket on the front so you can place some items in there. So if you drive it to town to run errands you can have a place to put the few things you are picking up. You won’t be able to do a large amount of shopping but you will have enough room for a few basic items.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5

Scooters

Scooters are a notch below mopeds in terms of speed. They aren’t going to go more than 20 miles per hour with the electric models. Still, you can use them to get around faster and easier than using a regular bicycle. The are great if you live in a small area where things are relatively close. You may not have public transportation available so this can help.

 

The laws are very different when it comes to who can legally operate a scooter. it also depends on the type. In some areas children as young as 12 years of age are able to do so. In other places though you must be the same age as required to legally operate a vehicle and have a valid driver’s license.

 

There are small sized scooters where you stand on a board that is similar to a skateboard. Some models have an extremely thin board to stand on. There is a handle that should be adjustable to your height that you use to maneuver the scooter. It is shaped like the letter T.

 

There will be a small gas tank on the side of it that holds up to five gallons of gas depending on the type of scooter that you have. Many of them have a pull start mechanism that you need to engage before you can get the fuel to run through the system and give you the necessary power to move about.

 

Some of the more expensive scooters look like mopeds but they operate with the use of a battery and electricity. These models may or may not use gas depending on which model you select. Those that do require the use of gas aren’t going to consume very much of it though at any given time.

 

 

Chapter 6

Hybrids

Not everyone is comfortable with a fuel efficiency vehicle that only has two wheels though. There shouldn’t be a push for a person who isn’t confident in their ability to operate one to have to do so. This can result in a accident occurring and that isn’t worth saving money on fuel costs.

 

For other people, those types of vehicles just aren’t practical. You may have a family so you need to drop the baby at daycare and another child off at school. You can’t do that without a regular vehicle.

 

You may live in an area where it is too cold for most of the year to get any real use out of those two wheeled options even though they are fuel efficient. There is no need to worry though as you do have some really good options.

 

One of them you have likely hear a great deal about is the hybrid. This is a type of vehicle that operates using two different fuel sources. One of them is gasoline and the other is either solar power or electricity. With the solar power, there are cells that charge during the day. With the electricity there are batteries that have to be recharged on a regular basis.

Regardless of which one you choose, gasoline will be the back up fuel source. This means when you don’t have any more solar power in the cells or any more electricity in the batteries you will switch over to the gasoline that is in your vehicle.

 

Once you have the opportunity to recharge the main energy source, it will switch back over. You don’t have to do anything to get the vehicle to go from one power source to the next. It will be an automatic switch over and it can happen in the middle of your commute to work. You won’t lose power in the vehicle so don’t worry about the speed limit that you are driving.

 

A hybrid vehicle is designed to be able to save energy in ways that ordinary vehicles can’t. Pushing on the brakes of your vehicle is a common practice. It helps you to slow down when you need to as well as to completely stop your vehicle.

 

In a regular vehicle the braking process results in more fuel being used. This is because they car has to get back to a certain speed and it takes fuel to do so. Hybrids rely on a process known as regenerative braking. Instead of using more fuel you will actually create more energy each time you step on the brakes.

 

All hybrids also have an automatic shut off sensor. This means when you roll up to a stop sign the engine will completely stop. As soon as you step on the gas pedal though it will restart. As a result the excess idling that adds up and wastes fuel is completely eliminated.

 

A smaller motor is used in hybrid vehicles so it takes less fuel to give them the necessary power. However, you don’t have to worry about not having enough power to go the proper speed limit or anything like that.

 

Some people have a fear that a hybrid will be slow and that it will just leave them stranded due to not enough energy. This isn’t a scenario that will ever become a reality for anyone with a hybrid vehicle.

 

They are very well made and for years they were researched before offered to the general public. In fact, hybrids were tested by companies all over the world including the various branches of the United States military.

 

For those individuals who want to continue driving larger sized vehicles, a hybrid can be the perfect solution. There are small vehicles but also the large ones including the Yukon by GMC and the Tahoe by Chevrolet. Both of these were added in 2008 to meet consumer demands.

 

These hybrid vehicles are expensive though and that is what often prevents consumers from buying them. The would love to own one in order to save money and to protect the environment. However, financially they may not be able to meet the monthly obligation of getting such a fuel efficient vehicle.

 

The government does offer some very nice incentives though. When you file your income tax return you can claim a huge deduction for the year in which you purchase your hybrid. This can be something to really entice those who are sitting on the fence to move forward with their purchase.

 

You will find though that for many types of hybrid vehicles there is a waiting list. That is because the manufacturers have limited the number of them that they make. Of course they have been looking at increasing those numbers due to the number of consumers after them these days.

 

High gas prices at the pump that don’t look like they will be dropping any time soon are encouraging more consumers in  the market for a new vehicle to look at them. They want to do all they can to get a reliable vehicle, protect the environment, and cut down on the amount of money they pay for fuel.

 

However, there have been reports that there is a shortage of the necessary materials required to make a quality hybrid vehicle. A key element that must be used to make the electric motors for hybrids as well as the propulsion system for the batteries require the use of Dysprosium.

 

This particular element is rare and most of it is found in China. Yet they aren’t willing to share too much of it because they rely upon the use of Dysprosium for their electronic gadgets that they sale all over the world. In the mean time researchers to continue to look for alternative elements that may be able to work in place of the Dysprosium.

 

Some people have the image of a hybrid vehicle being strange looking but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many common models of vehicle son the road that are this design. You may drive with them on the same roads each day and just not realize it.

 

There are many terrific hybrid vehicles you can choose from out there. You should take a look online for a complete list of them but here is some information on some of the common ones. You can anticipate spending from $27,000 to $64,000 on one depending on the model you are most interested in.

 

One of the top selling hybrids is the Honda Civic. Not only is it a top compact car for comfort and style, the original models are very fuel efficient as well. This means when you do need to switch over from electricity or solar power to fuel you won’t be consuming very much of it in the process.

 

With the rate of 45 miles to the gallon as a hybrid on the highway and 40 in town you certainly should be checking into this type of hybrid. It is relatively high priced though which is the down side of things. However, it can certainly prove to be quite a good investment that will save you plenty of money in fuel to compensate for that.

 

The Nissan Altima is one of the most affordable hybrid cars out there. It also features a simple yet sophisticated design so people really like it. This is a classy car without going to the extremes. It does very well with fuel efficiency as well. On the highway you can expect to get 42 miles per gallon. In town you should still get about 35.

 

The most expensive hybrid vehicle that you will come across is the Mercedes Benz. This is a very sophisticated model that comes with a hefty price tag as well. It offers all the features of a sports car though including fast speeds. It has the luxury too with very comfortable seats and all the options you can imagine.

 

There are many models of hybrid vehicles that will be emerging on the market for 2009. Most of them will be out in October or November of 2008. They include the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado pickup, Dodge Durango, GMC Sierra pickup, Saturn Vue, Toyota Sienna which will be a hybrid minivan, and the Toyota Prius.

 

As you can see there are many new options that will soon be available for consumers in the way of hybrid vehicles. This is very exciting to those tired of paying very high prices. You can get a sneak peek at the 2009 hybrid models at various car shows around the United States. Go online to find out when one will be in your area.

 

If you find one you really like, it may be a good idea to deal with the manufacturer directly. They can help you to reserve one now so you won’t be on a waiting list later on.  You can even have it customized with the accessories you want, the interior you choose, and the exterior color that you will be very happy with.

Chapter 7

Bio-Diesel Power

An option many consumers are interested in is bio-diesel power. This is a type of alternative power that means you won’t be relying upon gasoline in order to power your vehicle. It may sound crazy but this process involves using vegetable oil to keep your vehicle running.

 

The problem though is that the use of bio-diesel isn’t standard in the United States. So getting you hands on what you need at times can prove to be difficult. Yet many consumers say they don’t have any problems with their vehicles using this type of alternative fuel. It keeps the insides of it well lubricated and the oil stays clean.

 

There are starting to be more places though where you can get bio-diesel fuel at the pumps though. This is exciting for those who manufacture such vehicles as well as those consumers interested in buying them. It is sold for a price that is significantly lower than standard fuel as well.

 

Other consumers with bio-diesel vehicles are content to place fresh vegetable oil into their vehicles. Some people have been known to also use the used vegetable oil from restaurants without experiencing any problems. This is a very creative way to stop being robbed blind at the gas station.

 

Of course that used vegetable oil can’t be dumped directly into your vehicle in such a condition. Instead it has to be processed to remove pieces of food, various debris, and glycerin found in such forms of used vegetable oil. Failure to remove them will prevent your vehicle from operating like it should.

 

The fact that the use of bio-diesel fuel also results in less emissions into the air is important as well. Not only will you save money on fuel but you will be doing your part to protect the environment as well. Many people are buying conversion kits so they can start using bio-diesel and stop buying gasoline. This type of conversion can only be completed accurately if you have a diesel vehicle.

 

You can also choose to buy a bio-diesel vehicle directly from various dealers. Some of the top vehicle manufacturers now offer such models for customers to choose from. All of the Volkswagen models can be purchased with the bio-diesel option.

 

Large sized pickups are often ran by diesel fuel. You will find most of them offered by various manufacturers including Chevy, Ford, and Dodge all offer them. Some foreign options include Volvo and Mercedes. Right now Jeep has a new model that is getting ready for production to take off.

 

A person with these types of vehicles often needs a great deal of power behind them to get the job accomplished. It is important to realize that there is no difference between a regular heavy duty vehicle that operates on diesel fuel and one that operates on bio-diesel fuel except for that source of energy.

 

The power of the vehicle will remain the same regardless of which one you use. One issue that has become quite a concern though is that bio-diesel vehicles can be very tough to start in colder weather. This is due to the fact that the materials used to make it become thick during that time of the year.

 

A solution to this that has been working well is to mix the bio-diesel fuel with some petroleum. Generally this is a mix of 80% bio-diesel and 20% petroleum to get a good balance. The amount of petroleum that will be added though depends on how cold of a climate you live in.

 

Since bio-diesel is man made we will always have enough of it. There is a limit to the natural resources we have. Once they are depleted we will never be able to use them again. Saving what we do have for future generations is something to consider.

 

It can be very expensive to buy a bio-diesel vehicle though and that is what often holds many consumers back from doing so. Add that to the fact that they are skeptical about vegetable being suitable for a vehicle to operate on. As a society we get too comfortable with the norm and that can hinder advancement for us in many aspects.

Chapter 8

Top Gas Powered Cars that are Fuel Efficient

You may find it is time to either trade in your gas guzzler or to purchase an additional vehicle that is fuel efficient. There are some really great ones out there offered by the best manufactures. Many of the best are compact cars but some of them are medium in size.

 

You may have the image of being squeezed into a seat that is too small and not enough room for your groceries. Yet most of these fuel efficient cars are roomier than you might think. It can be helpful to take your entire family to look for one. This way you can see just how good of a fit it would end up being.

 

This is a smart move as you may have a child or two that use car seats. They do take up more room but you want to find out for sure how everyone is going to fit. Saving money on gas isn’t going to be something you care about too much if everyone in the car is complaining about not enough space each time they get into it.

 

The Ford Focus gets the top billing when it comes to fuel efficient cars. This is also a very affordable car to buy either new or used. They come with two or four doors so you can decide which model is best for you. It should get you between 28-30 miles per gallon on the highway and 24 in town.

 

The Honda Fit is similar with a hatch back as well as two or four doors. It does get better gas mileage though at a rate of 34 miles per gallon on the highway and 28 in town. It isn’t as comfortable overall as the Ford Focus though so that is why it doesn’t get top billing.

 

Honda also comes in at #3 with the Civic. This is a car they have had around for quite some time. It has always been very fuel efficient but more people are interested in it now than before due to the high fuel prices. It offers up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway and 25 in town.

 

The most expensive fuel efficient vehicle out there is the Mercedes Benz. These are very stylish vehicles and often driven by those who want to let their prestige shine. This is an extremely well built vehicle that is also extremely fast. Most people only dream of owning such a fabulous car though as they are out of the price range for most of us. They do offer 32 miles per gallon on the highway about 25 in town.

 

Completing the top five is the mini Cooper. This is likely the most fun you will have with a fuel efficient car. They offer plenty of room inside and a great style with the exterior. They are more common with women than with men though as they tend to be labeled as cute.

 

If you weren’t impressed with the power it offered in the past, you should look at the newer models. BMW has been listening to consumers and the Mini Cooper now features more power than ever before. In addition to being fuel efficient it is also very environmentally friendly.

 

When you see that it gets 37 miles to the gallon on the highway and 28 in town you will definitely be impressed! They have a decent price too so you won’t find it to be too unreasonable to fit into your budget. The money you save on gas for it can go towards paying your payment on it each month!

 

Spots 6 and 7 in the top 10 fuel efficient vehicles are both by Nissan. First you have the Nissan Altima which is a medium sized vehicle. It has a nice rounded design along the back side which makes it look more expensive than it really is. The fuel savings won’t be as high as with some of the other vehicles we have talked about.

 

Yet if comfort is very important to you then this could be the one to choose. You will be able to get 31 miles per gallon on the highway and 32 in town. This is a 4-cylinder vehicle that has enough power to keep even a picky car owner very satisfied.

 

Next is the Nissan Sentra which offers just about the same miles per gallon as the sister Altima does. The main difference is that his sedan is an automatic while just about all of the other fuel efficiency vehicles including the Altima are manual.

 

Watch out for bigger and better things on the horizon from Toyota in the area of fuel efficient vehicles as well. They are very proud to be filling up the last three slots on the top ten countdown. The fact that they have more vehicles on this list than any other manufacturer means they really are dedicated to helping both the environment and consumers.

 

The Toyota Camry has always been well loved by consumers as it is a well designed vehicle. It is comfortable and it handles extremely well. This was one of the top selling models for years before gas prices became so difficult to fit into the budget.

 

This particular vehicle is also available as a hybrid but there is a long waiting list to get your hands on one right now. The regular model offers about the same miles per gallon both on the highway and in town with a number of about 34. However, the hybrid will give you about 44 miles per gallon which is significantly higher.

 

The Toyota Corolla is a smaller model than the Camry but still a very good vehicle. It is less expensive as well so if you are looking to get something to work well in your budget this could be it. If you haven’t been impressed with the body style though keep an eye out for the new design in 2009.

 

The Toyota Corolla is available in both manual and automatic transmissions which is nice for consumers. Which one you choose won’t make too much of a difference as far as your fuel mileage is concerned though. You should be able to get 35 miles per gallon on the highway and 26 miles per gallon in town.

 

You will be amazed at the gas savings you will get with the number ten on the list. It is the Toyota Prius which can get 48 miles per gallon on the highway and 45 on the highway. Many consumers don’t like the style of this vehicle though. They feel the back end looks smashed or like it wasn’t finished. The square look can make the entire vehicle look odd.

 

Yet if you really want something that is going to save you money at the pump, this fuel efficient vehicle can certainly do so. It does have a futuristic look to it that many people just aren’t ready for yet. While they agree it handles nice and is roomy, it can be hard to commit to a vehicle you aren’t going to want to see in your driveway each morning.

 

Chapter 9

Conclusion

With the cost of a gallon gas around $4 as the National average, it is understood that many consumers are very upset about what it costs to put enough fuel in their vehicle to get around. Depending on the type of vehicle you have your overall cost will vary. It also depends on how many miles you put on your vehicle in a given span of time.

 

As a result of these continuous increases, consumers are left feeling helpless. Many of them are turning to fuel efficient vehicles that offer them the chance to pay less for fuel though. They may be trading on their current vehicle for something else or buying an additional vehicle to help them cut costs.

 

This may be in the form of a new vehicle or a used one that still have plenty of life left in it. Being able to calculate the differences between the ongoing cost of fuel for you right now and what you will be paying if you do get a different vehicle is important.

 

That way you can determine if the purchase will be cost effective in the long run for you or not. There is no point of doing it though if you aren’t able to get a great return on your investment. The information you just read should help you to determine which type of fuel efficient vehicle is right for you.

 

It may be a two wheeled model such as a motorcycle, moped, or scooter. It really depends on where you will be traveling due to the various speeds that they offer. In addition to being able to save money on fuel with these options though you need to pay attention to some other factors.

 

For example you need to find out about the licensing requirements in your area. You also need to make safety a priority. Never operate such vehicles when the road conditions aren’t right for it. You also need to make it a habit of wearing a helmet. It doesn’t matter how fast you will be traveling or how far of a distance.

 

You can also go with regular vehicles that are more fuel efficient than what you operate right now. This can be in the form of a hybrid, a bio-diesel vehicle, or a fuel efficient model that is offered. All of them can be a great solution when you want some armor around you to protect you when you are on the road. It also provides you with room for more than one passenger.

 

Hybrid vehicles are more expensive than regular fuel efficient models. This is due to the high demand for them as well as for the cost of making them. They are excellent for the environment though which is refreshing to hear. They also only use fuel when the electricity or solar power that is mainly used is depleted.

 

The amount of gas you will use depends on how long it is before you are able to restore that main power source to the hybrid. Even when you are relying upon the gas though for power you will get an amazing amount of miles per gallon of fuel.

 

Bio-diesel is a type of alternative fuel that can be used instead of gasoline to operate your vehicle. You can modify older vehicles that have a diesel system in them with a converter kit. This can cost a couple of thousand dollars but can prove to be very cost effective.

 

There are also bio-diesel vehicles you can buy new from the manufacturer. They operate with the use of vegetable oil and they seem to be vehicles that will last a very long time. They also don’t release as many emissions into the environment as other vehicles on our roads do.

 

The list of the top ten fuel efficient vehicles on the market right now should prove to be very helpful. If you are in the market for a new vehicle then take a look at them to see what you like. Should you decide to go with another model of vehicle you should look up the information on it before you buy it.

 

While you may love the look of a particular vehicle, the fact is that you may end up struggling continually to pay for the gas that you must put inside of it. That isn’t going to benefit you in any way so make sure the amount of miles per gallon you can expect from what you buy is going to be something you can work with.

 

Remember that fuel prices are expected to continue rising. That cost is something you need to think about when you shop for a fuel efficient vehicle. It also needs to be safe and to offer you enough room. Even though you want to maximize fuel savings you need to be realistic.

 

It won’t work well to cram your family of five into a Ford Focus even though it offers really great fuel mileage. You will need to go with a medium sized fuel efficient vehicle that may not get as good of gas mileage but you will all fit into it comfortably.

 

This type of trade off is important to keep you all happy. You certainly don’t want to ride to work each day in a vehicle that has your knees pressed tightly up against the dashboard. Paying attention to such details is important with the majority of fuel efficient vehicles being compact cars.

 

If a larger vehicle is what you need then do your best to find one that is decent in regards to the fuel mileage it gets. Before fuel is up to $5 a gallon which is predicted by the end of the summer you need to have a plan of action. You can sit around and let the cost continue to stress you out or you can use a method of transportation that is more fuel efficient.

 

Hopefully you will be able to soon implement one of these fuel saving vehicles into your lifestyle. You will be able to breath easier when you drive to the gas station and see the prices posted for fuel. There is quite a demand for these vehicles these days so the sooner you start to look the better deal you can secure.

 

Helpful Links

1) Convert Your Car To Burn Water + Gasoline = Triple Your Mileage!

2) Renewable Energy Solutions : 1. Build A Wind Generator 2. Biodiesel 3. Install Solar Panels 4. Build Your Own Home 5. Renewable Energy Solutions For Home, Car And Business

3) Alternative Energy Resources. Understanding and Installing Your Own Solar Electric System. Includes Worksheets,& Resources.

4) Keeping My Earth Green. You Can Learn How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint And Help Reverse The Effects Of Global Warming.

5) Solar Power Design Manual. Teach Yourself All About Solar Power. Comprehensive Manual By Genuine Expert. Spreadsheet Included.

 

Filed Under: Fuel Efficient Vehicles Tagged With: and, efficient, fuel, mopeds, other, scooters, vehicles