If you haven't already...

[Deja Q]

* check up on your car insurance.

* Get a locking gas cap.

* get a car alarm and have it tested.

* be happy if your car lies low to the road.




Things aren't going to be pretty, I don't care if gas prices are still lower compared to those in 1982. Especially when, since 1973, workers' pay hasn't kept up at the rate it should have yet corporate exec pay has jumped by magnitudes (by 1980, the CEO pay being 40x that of the average worker just wasn't enough. Today the figure well exceeds 600x and well isn't enough... nor is having in-house, loyal, workers. Still, life is what they make of it. Better be nice...)

[freshharbor]

1. Also, for the folks who live up north.....

You might want to lock-in for your winter fuel now. Heating oil will most likely go above $3.00 gallon. Lock in now if you can.

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. Thanks, and welcome. :^)

[mcscajun]

2. I get the first three...what's the significance of the last one?

why should I be glad that my car lies low to the road? (BTW, it does.)

admitted car :dunce:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. less wind resistance?

I had to use our old 89 Trooper for a couple of days while my husband changed the transmission of our Geo. Wind resistance was awful in the Trooper, and the gas mileage sucked. But it is useful in winter, as it can get us out and can haul firewood.

[lectrobyte]

4. I don't get it either. Maybe they mean be happy if you're not

driving an SUV?

[Deja Q]

8. It's harder for the vandals to crawl up from underneath...

so they can cut a fuel line from within. :D

If you live in areas frequented by snow storms, low-lying cars aren't always great for winter...

[mcscajun]

9. Ah! Well, they'd be real stupid to try and crawl under my

Saturn Coupe. :)

[goddess40]

5. comparing prices is a joke

you're right that pay hasn't kept up and claiming that gas is still cheaper is a smoke screen. It's a lie that the media can print and the sheeple will swallow.

I have a 5th to add to your list, turn off your air conditioning (when possible) and drive with your windows open. The local news stations have been telling everyone that using your air saves gas - the myth busters blew that lie out of the water a while ago.

[lectrobyte]

7. I'd add these to your list

Keep tires inflated to manufacturers (car manufacturer, not the tire manufacturer) recommendation + 10%. For example, if the sticker on your car door (or owner's manual etc.) says inflate front tires to 32 PSI front, 30 PSI rear, then I'd suggest 35 front, 33 rear. If the plus 10% part hurts ride quality or makes you nervous, just keep the tires inflated. That's the number one thing that can help save gas, and it's basically free.

Keep your car tuned up. For most cars these days, that means an air filter, spark plugs, and maybe a fuel filter or PCV valve. All DIY items, and inexpensive, but if you're not comfortable with a wrench, find an independent shop you can trust.

Keep the car relatively clean, and remove unnecessary weight.