Category Archives: Transportation

Hybrid cars continue to elicit excitement, awe, and intrigue as they are rolled out. This is true even as the number of available models continues to climb. Indeed, there are more hybrid models to chose from these days than ever before. Although their command of the new car market is still just a slim margin, their numbers continue to grow on an almost daily basis. With the choices in hybrid cars growing, it can be difficult to keep track of all the offerings that are available. For a brief comparison of some of the choices in hybrid cars, read on.

• Ford Fusion. The Ford Fusion hybrid sedan offers you plenty of room with a smooth ride and responsive handling. The dash instruments provide a wealth of information including the amount of battery power that is left and how efficiently you are driving car. It comes with a robust entertainment and navigation system that more than justifies its title as one of the most expensive hybrids.

• Honda Civic Hybrid. Honda’s hybrid combines the reliability that everyone has come to enjoy from Honda with solid performance that is befitting a hybrid. The Civic hybrid features excellent gas mileage as well as plenty of pep to take you wherever you need to go. It also features a roomy trunk with a stylish and sporty look.

• Mazda Tribute. This stylish sport utility vehicle is Mazda’s entry into the hybrid arena. It has many of the same features of their regular Tribute. However, it does feature a hybrid power train which adds many environmental benefits. The gas mileage that you will enjoy is in line with other hybrid SUVs at around 34 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway when used in the front wheel drive mode.

• Toyota Prius. This is the little car that started it all. Indeed, the Toyota Prius is the image that instantly springs to mind when most people think of a hybrid car. The car with the iconic shape, Prius is great on gas mileage and practical as well. It has a number of features that help to ensure the comfort of its passengers and driver. The innovative gear shifter, for example, puts the controls right at your fingertips.

• Nissan Altima Hybrid. This hybrid utilizes a electric/gasoline power train that allows for smooth transitioning between the modes. The Altima features a high performance, environmentally friendly engine nestled inside a sporty body. With a respectable 34 mpg range, the Altima is an impressive midsized hybrid sedan.

As the price of gas begins to rise again and the threat of limited supply hangs over our heads people are looking for smart gas saving alternatives. Here are a few handy tips to get started.

Slow down or speed up. The optimal speed limit for gas preservation is actually the 55 mph speed limit on most state highways. Of course that doesn’t mean if the speed limit is 25 that you should go 55 or if the speed limit is 75 you should drive 20 mph under the speed limit. However if the posted speed limit is 55, go for it and take pride in the fact that you’re saving gas.

Maintain your speed. It actually uses more fuel to accelerate and brake accelerate and brake repeatedly. Choose your speed and stick to it as much as possible.

Accelerate slowly. The lead foot syndrome is a sure fire gas waster. When you press on the gas you’re releasing vast amounts of fuel. Your engine can only burn so much and all the extra simply goes to waste.

Drop the weight. Did you know that for every extra 100 pounds in your car you lose 2% in fuel efficiency. Hop into that trunk of hatchback of yours and pull out all the extra junk. Leave the jack and the spare tire of course! However, that bag of workout clothing you’ve had sitting in the back for months and the empty picnic cooler can go.

Change your spark plugs and keep your car in tip-top shape. The more efficient your car’s systems the more efficient it uses fuel. In fact, changing your old spark plugs can boost fuel mileage up to 30%.

Make sure your tire has enough pressure. Underinflated tires cause a significant reduction in fuel efficiency. The reason is that you actually have more resistance on the street.

Change your air filter. Your air filter feeds the air directly into your engine and if it’s dirty you’re losing performance. Typically, your air filter is changed when your oil is changed however, it’s important to make sure.

There’s an age old dilemma regarding which is more fuel efficient to drive with the air conditioner running or to drive with the windows open. The truth is that both waste fuel and are relatively equal. However, if you’re driving at high speeds the air conditioner may save a bit more gas and if you’re driving at low speeds then having the windows open is slightly more fuel-efficient.

Ultimately, the most fuel-efficient thing you can do is to carpool, take public transportation, walk or ride your bike. And the smaller the vehicle you’re in, the more fuel efficient it tends to be. Try adopting one gas saving habit each week or month until you’re not only saving the environment and conserving resources, you’re saving hundreds of dollars each month.