Spending money "for the green of it"

Since the cost of gas returned to a reasonable amount, America's obsession with saving money on fuel has been redirected. The drop in gas prices came just in time for the holidays, and probably saved retailers' bottom line from oblivion. Now that the country is focused on "the economy" and "unemployment level", the gas station has returned to being just one more stop on the commute home from a long day at work. But there is something new at the pump........ Shell is advertising a "gunk-cleaner" grade that costs about 50 cents more per gallon - Probably not a marketable product in the summer of 08, but a good investment? Which is better? A hybrid or expensive fossil fuel? Hybrids and fuel-efficient car sales remain strong (see comments about hybrid auto makers), and a clean engine runs more efficiently, so my hunch is, preventing the gunk build might save gas. But how do we know that the so-called "Shell V-power" is worth the investment? Does the benefit out-weigh the cost? Why would spending more green on what is ultimately a finite resource really make sense? It remains to be seen if a high priced premium fuel can survive the current economic "crisis". I might like to see some evidence that the gas saves money in the long-run. In the mean time, I'll stick to my own method of saving; cruising at 60 mph on a freeway that has a 65 mph speed limit. I make my choice, and others are free to make their's - for now (see more on the freedom to choose your speed). As my 7th grade teacher said: " Pay your money - take your choice" .

If you can afford it, fill up with the most expensive gasoline out there, just "for the green of it".

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Clark Howard is a hot geek!

According to a study conducted by GM as part of the 2008 Challenge X competition: "Nearly 9 in 10 women (88 percent) say they'd rather chat up someone who owns the latest fuel-efficient car versus the latest sports car."

reported by Hank Green on the ECOGEEK website, see the full article here:EcoGeeks get all the girls By Hank Green Posted Wed May 28, 2008 1:59am PDT

Here in Atlanta there are rumors that there is a disproportionate number of single women to men. Some say there are 3x's more girls than boys. In 2000, the actual statistics were not that impressive. According to Half Sigma.com, of the non-married,non-Hispanic, working white singles in Atlanta, 55% were women and 45% were men. (Maybe the ratios depends on ethnicity, but these were the only stats I could get my hands on.)

Regardless of the odds, finding the right mate is foremost on most single folks' mind. But we may be on the precipice of a new era. Imagine if everyone drives a "smartcar". There will always be a need for load toting trucks, but gas guzzling Hummers and speed racers could go the way of the Model T. The more scarce the gas, the sexier the scooter. Looks like the times... they are a changing ...no matter who the next U.S. President is.

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Why I bought a 2004 Honda Odyssey

For more tips on saving money while driving, visit Happy Speeder

Waiting in the bay at a service station is not my idea of a good time. Grant it, these guys can change your oil quicker than you can clean out your glove box, but I can think of 10 places I'd rather be. Growing up, my handy Dad would change the oil in my car, often on a Saturday morning while I slept(Thanks Dad!), so I never developed the patience for car maintenance; nor the appreciation of it's importance.

I drove a Chevy Venture Van for 5 years, and got the oil changed as infrequently as possible. The Valvoline guys were dubious but courteous when I claimed "I must have had my oil changed- sometime this year!" since the window cling on my windshield had not been updated. I persisted, "Surely, sometime in the last 12 months, I had an oil change. How much harm could it cause anyway, No way did I go 12,000 miles without an oil change!"... or did I? ( Selective memory is a very handy thing).

A few years later, heading out of town for Father's Day-visiting, my van stalled on HWY 285. Luckily, there was little traffic, and I was able to steer to the right and get off the road. Luckily, I had a cell phone because I was not near a commercial area with helpful corner stores. Luckily, I did not have to hike up to the next off-ramp while pushing my toddler in a stroller and my 9 year old by my side, desperately seeking a pay phone, in July, in Atlanta.

I started researching new vehicles on the Internet as soon as the mechanic called and said the motor was frozen or something. (Apparently, if there isn't good oil flow, gunk builds up and something quits working, leaving the other somethings to over work, which isn't good when you are asking the engine to drive 75 mph in the July Heat). Of all the cars I test drove, the Honda was the only minivan that could accelerate as fast as I thought necessary, it had some punch. (I do love to punch it! - for more on the love of speed, read Speed.) Five years later, this van runs like new and has it's maintenance records in order. I have become more diligent since the price of gas has gone up. Saving money on gas by keeping my engine well-lubed is worth the time to sit in the service bay. I am grateful for the price increase. Would I have ever been truly happy tending to mundane tasks, if I did not have the perspective of the alternative, plus the benefit of cost-savings at the pump? Luckily, my dad didn't raise no dummy... one blown engine is enough for me!

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New cars crash more than older cars

I did not make this up! Check out the whole list of surprising facts taken from the new book: Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us) by Tom Vanderbilt

Here he summarizes "Some things about driving that may surprise you."

I have to add one factoid of my own: Drivers who accelerate slow from a green light are going to get to the next red light just after those who floor it! For more on this, see my blog Is that car driving slow on purpose?

Do people in new cars feel invincible in their new "ride"? Do people who drive older cars tend to put less emphasis on achievement - and are therefore not as competitive? Do older cars offer some inherent protective mechanism due to their heavier construction? Slowing down saves a lot of money, gas, and pollution, but it doesn't save any time. However, as it states in the above link "some things..."; aggressive driving doesn't save time either. Don't get mad -be a Happy Speeder; invest in your decision to drive smarter and save fuel.

For more tricks to save gas while driving as fast as you can, visit my website: Happy Speeder

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Barack Obama proposes smart driving to save up to 3 mil barrels of oil a day.

Requiring action from the American people as part of his proposed strategy to decrease our nation's dependence on foreign oil, Barack Obama includes choices like slowing down and keeping your tires properly inflated. "Efficiency experts say that keeping tires inflated can improve gas mileage 3%, and regular maintenance can add another 4%. Many drivers already follow their advice, but if everyone did, we could immediately reduce demand several percentage points. In other words: Obama is right" from The Tire-Gauge Solution: No Joke Monday, Aug. 04, 2008 By Michael Grunwald at TIME.com If you have checked out the links at happyspeeder.com, you know that there are a ton of resources to prove that you save fuel by driving smarter. This is no scam or urban myth. Scientific research proves it and experts from all sides agree. In fact, the Bush administration has already funded EPA/DOE research that resulted in the release of fuel saving strategies-click here for those details: Tips for improving your fuel economy I am happy to know that these facts are universally accepted. There is no debate. These are real strategies that could save you up to $700 a year - not to mention - it can be fun. The idea that each individual can have an impact is empowering, and I hope to spur others to change. In a small way, I feel like I am getting back at the terrorist for 9-11, and that is very motivating. For more on saving money by driving smart, see:

Be proud of your nation: slow down for conservation!

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Slowing down a little saves a lot

In "How to save 0.54¢ a gallon on gas" Lynn Truong of Wise Bread blogsite reiterates the simple truth. Slowing down a little saves a lot. She also lists some other steps that you can take to save money on your gas:

1. Empty your car of excess weight - take out those extra van seats if you can, and take the luggage rack off of the roof.

2. Check your tires frequently. Properly inflated tires not only help your fuel last longer, but the tires will last longer, too. I purchased my last set from Costco, and they filled them with nitrogen. Apparently, this gas leaks less, because I have not needed a refill in almost a year. Also, Costco checks my air pressure for free when I pull up to the service bay.

3. Get a tune-up! In smog-infested cities like Atlanta, your air filter should be changed at least once a year, and changing your oil every 4-6,000 miles is just smart and easy.

4. Choose a smarter engine oil - According to the National Resources Defense Council, selecting the proper grade of motor oil and using motor oils with additives that reduce friction may increase a vehicle's fuel economy by 1 percent to 2 percent.29 Widespread use of efficient motor oils could reduce fleet-wide gasoline consumption by 1 percent in 2013, saving 100,000 barrels per day.30

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How to Calculate Your Car's Fuel Efficiency (MPG) - wikiHow

How is your car's gas efficiency? Your car's manual will give you a range, but it really depends on how you drive, how well you maintain the engine, and the state of your tires. To calculate your average fuel efficiency, print this

<-form *and keep track of your mileage, time and conditions * Or, visit Happy Speeder for more tips and tools on keeping track of your actual gas mileage, it is an easy investment that can pay off with real savings!

Unless your car is equipped with a mpg meter, you will have to fill your tank and track your driving until the tank is empty again to be able to calculate your numbers. If you want to go high-tech and see how much fuel you consume in real time; invest in an electronic gauge that you can hook up in your car. This would make a great gift for anyone who like gizmos. Visit Happy Speeder shop at Amazon where this tool and more are sold.

Happy Speeder gas saving tip: Freeze grapes in a ziplock or tupperware. Place them in your lap, eat as you drive, and be cool. Run the auto a.c. as little as possible, save money, save gas!

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