The truth about fuel efficiency!

You've heard a million different ways to up the mileage you get out of one tank of gas; but do you know how much of it is true?

Small cars are the only fuel efficient cars:

 
Nowadays, car manufacturers are making larger cars to be as fuel efficient as small cars. While this typically is limited to sedans right now, the manufacturers are working on more options! There is new technology that allows this, such as diesel engines, hybrids, partial electric cars, turbochargers, etc. they all make for a smoother more efficient ride! 
 

Manual transmissions are more fuel efficient than automatic:

 
Automatic engines these days may have more gears than the manual transmissions, which makes it better for highway driving. But for older cars, a manual will usually be better for gas.

For city driving, the manual transmissions generally still rank better on gas mileage. But for highway driving, the automatics are usually the same or even better.

 

Replacing your air filter will help on fuel efficiency:

 

On modern cars this doesn't ring true anymore. However, this will help with any car that has a carburetor. The fuel injection systems allow for better emission control and better gas usage. This does so by using less fuel than before to power the car, so it doesn't get thrown off by a dirty air filter. The engine's technology maintains and corrects the air and gas mixture used to drive on its own. But a dirty air filter may affect how your car performs, so it does need to be changed at times.

It also allows the car to need less time to 'warm up' before driving in colder weather. Which leads us to our next point...

 

 

 Starting your car uses more fuel than idling:  

 

Modern cars are made to only need about 30 seconds to warm up for driving in cold weather, as opposed to the 5-10 minutes thought before. So the old way of letting the car sit and warm is not necessary anymore. Unless it is for ice, snow or comfort.

There is now "stop-start" technology, common in hybrids, which helps with idling at red lights. It turns the car off after a certain time and then can be restarted by pressing on the gas pedal. It uses  gas wisely and efficiently. However, manually shutting off and restarting the car at stops can be a hazard.

Idling just wastes gas, so it is better to turn the car off if you need to wait in the car. 

 

Using a better quality gas will save on mileage:

 

Using any other quality of gas than your car needs really doesn't help the car at all. There isn't even a noticeable difference with saving gas; just in your wallet. It's best to use the gas your car manual says.

 

 

Having properly inflated tires helps with gas efficiency:

This is absolutely true. And not only does it help you get more mileage out of your tank, but it greatly helps with traction. Additionally, check the tire pressure with a gauge to avoid over inflation, which can cause damage to the tires and less traction. Your car manual can tell you the correct pressure needed 

 Using the air conditioner eats the gas:

While driving on the highway, using the air conditioner and having the windows open had the same effect on the gas tank. Having the windows open on the highway will create a bigger drag and slow the car a bit. However, while city driving the air conditioner might not be your best bet. It does use a lot of energy to get and maintain the temperature. So if you are going to use the air, it is best to either use it at speeds above 50 MPH or just use the fans once the car is cooled inside.

Keeping the tailgate down on a pickup is good for gas savings:

 

By doing this, it will actually use more gas than having the tailgate attached normally. When the tailgate is up there is a sort of bubble created to let the air flow over the pick up bed. But when it's down, there is a drag created. If you are especially concerned, and not convinced, with this a mesh tailgate will help.

Driving while angry uses more gas:

This is surprisingly true. Driving while angry can cause the driver to use about 50% more gas than a stress free relaxed person. So calm down before getting behind the wheel, for the gas tank's sake and your own.

Gas additives and fuel saving gadgets

Myth: Advertisements for products promising to reduce gas mileage are everywhere. One of the most commonly used ones is acetone, the chemical found in nail polish remover. Some people claim it helps them save gas.
Fact: The EPA has tested hundreds of products over the years that promise to raise fuel efficiency and hasn't found one that has made a significant difference. Acetone, in particular, is corrosive and can damage your fuel system.
- See more at: http://www.boston.com/cars/gallery/fuel_saving_myths_and_facts?pg=8#sthash.SPbQDTrC.dpuf

 

 

Busy holiday driving tips!

The holidays can be a very stressful time, imagine adding an accident in the middle of shopping on top of that. Here's a few tips on how to avoid a mid-errand fender bender.

During the season, people can be very impatient to get everything done on time. This can lead them to look through receipts while driving in parking lots, become drowsy at the wheel, check on coupons, map out the next store and just rush around. The best tip is to always drive for the other person: be very aware of your driving, as well as what others are doing or might do soon.

Drive slowly to give yourself enough time to react to a possible accident, especially when the ground is wet or snowy. The average adult can run about 6-11 MPH, imagine running that fast into a brick wall. It would definitely cause some damage. Just because parking lots and traffic areas are for slow driving, doesn't mean you can't cause serious damage to vehicles or people.

Also, be aware of speeding cars rushing around and cutting through parking lots and spots. It helps to not fight over parking spaces with other shoppers, too. This could lead to an accident, fight or vandalism of your car. The mall and shopping centers are a very popular area for young and inexperienced drivers. However, people may also try to be courteous and "wave you on" into traffic. Make sure it is entirely clear before exiting a lot or wait until the traffic has cleared. 

Additionally, be sure to take care of yourself as a pedestrian. Lock your doors after you get into your car, be wary of people who may be after your items and always check the car before getting into it. There is a surprising number of people who get robbed and/or kidnapped in parking lots, day or night. Parking in a well lit, possible security camera, area can ward off possible thieves, as well as hit and run accidents.

Make sure your mirrors are set for optimal visibility and your turn signals are always being used while turning. The holiday season is when it is dark, wet and cold most; so be aware of pedestrians, especially with small children. The kids might be very excited and sprint from adults they're with. Pedestrians have the right away!

Make sure all windows are clear!

Back up sensors aide with blind spots.

Try to avoid backing out of a spot whenever possible, it's best to be able to pull through. But, if you must back out of a spot, take care to look for those small children. If you feel unsure about backing out, try back up sensors for you car with possible camera attachment! Make sure all windows are clear before driving!

 

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 If you stick to the rules of the road and give a little extra time and patience during this season, you should have a less stressful holiday shopping experience! Remember, it's better to be late than dead.

Do you know how your car is keeping you safe?

People are often confused by ABS and SRS; two sensors located on the dashboard. Both are key in aiding against injuries in accidents.

 

ABS: Anti-lock Braking System. This lets the brakes keep traction on the road and preventing 'lock-up' while trying to come to a quick stop.

SRS: Supplemental Restraint System. This is the passive (airbags) and active(seat belts)

 restraint systems your car offers.

Seat belt Restraints:

Seat belts are designed to keep the occupants restrained in the seat to reduce injury from minor incidents to large accidents. It is especially useful to keep the occupants from flying out of the car or smashing their heads on the interior during serious accidents. When the vehicle senses a hard stop, the buckle or belt will pull tight to keep the occupants stable. 

Just wearing your seat belt properly can reduce injuries by half. It is extremely important to wear your seat belt properly, not just half. Using it improperly can damage the occupants more than help them. Using the full 3 point harness belt will reduce the risk of paralysis by only using the lap part or sliding under the seat belt by only using the sash part.

Seat belt indicator light on dash

Studies have shown that since states have started implementing the seat belt law, more people have been wearing theirs for fear of a ticket. The seat belt indicator 'beep' also aides in the use of wearing one. However, in the span of a 26 year study, the NHTSA (Nation Highway Traffic Safety Association) has estimated that over 145,000 lives have been saved by wearing seat belts. They also found that by not wearing a seat belt in accidents, the risk of getting inured was about 50% more than not wearing one. On average, about 8,000 more lives can be saved by wearing a seat belt.

Airbags: 

Airbags are designed to keep the occupants safe and in a position which will lessen bodily injuries. However, they are meant for occupants over the age of 13. If under this age, the front seat airbags can prove more harmful, even fatal. But with the new technology to determine the size and weight of the occupant in the car it may not be as harmful or even inflate at all if a child is in the front seat. They can only deflate one time though, so they may not be able to protect from a second collision in the same accident. 

Signal showing the passenger
airbag is off.

There is an airbag control unit (ACU) that measures force in milliseconds by impact and speed. They specifically take wheel speed, brake pressures, seat and door sensors, impact and acceleration into consideration before deploying. 

The NHTSA (Nation Highway Traffic Safety Association) has estimated that over 8,000 lives have been saved from airbags in a span of a 14 year study.

Front (for driver and passenger): These are located in the dashboard and steering wheel. Frontal airbags are designed to inflate and deflate quickly in case the driver needs to regain control of the car. This process is usually done in 40 milliseconds or .04 seconds.

Knee Bolster: This airbag is located directly under the steering wheel and dashboard. They are made to protect the knees from damage in an accident.

Side/Bolster & Curtain: Side airbags are located in the seats and the curtain airbags are located above the window glass. They inflate and stay inflated to keep the driver/passengers in the car, especially when the car rolls. The are specifically helpful to reduce injuries on the head and brain.

Now, you know the difference between SRS and ABS and how your car is working to keep you safe. ALWAYS remember to wear your seat belt properly, it saves lives!!

Why rental car coverage is important!

Have you ever gotten your car towed after an accident and were left there wondering how you were going to get to work for the next couple weeks? 

You wouldn't have to if you had rental car coverage on your car insurance policy!

Why purchasing rental reimbursement is worth it: You won't have to worry about getting rides to work, daily activities, emergencies and so on. Just because your car is out of commission, does not mean you have to be as well.

Costs about 30$ a year: The policies generally cover about 30$ a day for 30 days. Can be longer, shorter, more or less money depending on your policy. Compare that about 30$ a year to about 400$ for a few weeks of a rental. It just makes sense to have it. The rental car companies usually give you a car close to what you currently drive for ease. This, however, can only be used with auto claim through your insurance carrier. Maintenance, leisure and minor repairs do not apply. This is also a great to have if you need to buy a new car after your car is totaled.

Additional costs: If you decide to go to a rental place that is not affiliated with your insurance carrier, you may to have to pay out of pocket and submit the receipts afterward. This can take some time to get your money back. If you do go with an affiliated company, the insurance carrier may even do all the hard work for you and set up payment and a reservation. Sometimes, though, will have to put a security hold on your car, but that will be returned after the vehicle is returned.

The rental company will most likely try to sell you a damage waiver or temporary insurance for the rental. You do not need these when you rent; your current policy will cover it. If you do decide to purchase the additional coverage, that is an out of pocket expense. 

When to get the rental: If you car is safe to drive and the repairs can wait for a better time, then don't get your rental right away. There is no point in using the coverage unnecessarily. But, if you car is unsafe to drive, it is best to get the rental as soon as possible!

How to tell if your car is unsafe to drive: If you were to be pulled over by a police officer and they would be able to write you a ticket: Damaged headlights, parts falling off the car, windshield is cracking or broken, missing bumpers and so on. Also, if you notice the doors or hood will not open and clearly if the wheels are damaged. If any of these are present after an accident, GET YOUR RENTAL CAR ASAP!

Car insurance companies do not push this extra for you policy as it doesn't make them money. But once you need it the rental, you cant add it. Using it for just one day pays to have it. If there is an extra vehicle at the house, then it may not be necessary.