Gas prices are really high! “The government must act!” With all the hand-wringing and political opportunism, it is instructive to look at gas prices adjusted to April 1979 dollars. Puts things in perspective. Interesting to note that after peaking in early 1980, then falling off a few years later, adjusted prices have remained at a fairly constant low from mid-1985 through 2005. The spike in mid-2005 correlates with devastating hurricanes that shut down some refining and distribution capacity, but it subsequently dropped. The more recent spiking seems to correlate with Iran’s nuclear sabre-rattling.
Chart via.
Posted by bill as Economics, Misc. Info at 7:38 PM
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Edmunds has an article, What Really Saves Gas? And How Much?, about saving gas. How much? Enough to notice.
With gas prices so high, the media is awash with lists of gas-saving tips. Well how’s this for a tip? If you listen to us, you can see hybrid-type savings without having to buy a new car.
By changing your driving habits you can improve fuel economy up to 37 percent right away (depending on how you drive). Combine several tips and perform routine maintenance and you will save real dollars, not just pennies.
Does it work? Over the past few years, in my experience, yes. Definitely yes. If your car has a fuel economy gauge, reset after filling up the tank, then watch the average as you drive; idling will bring that average down faster than you think, as will mashing the accelerator. So don’t race to the red lights then race away when they turn green; coast into a stop and ease back up to speed. Slow down and use the cruise control when you can. Don’t just sit in your car at lunch and listen to the radio with engine running, unless you like wasting gas; listen with the car off or plug in and listen on the internet.
If you drive a truck that’s rated at 18-22 MPG and you normally only get 15 miles for that pricey gallon, take it easy, slow down, use cruise control, and watch the idling. Could save you a few bucks or more per tank. No kidding.
Posted by bill as Manage Your $, Misc. Info at 11:26 AM
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Got a problem with an online order but can’t find a phone number to call to get service? What you need is this great resource for digging up toll-free numbers for companies that bury their phone numbers.
Seen here.
Posted by bill as Customer Service, Misc. Info at 11:52 AM
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