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How does gas at $4 and higher impact you?

2183 messages,  Last post on Nov 21, 2009 at 5:13 PM

You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires

What is this discussion about? Gasoline, Fuel Efficiency (MPG)


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#1822 of 2183
Re: Mass transit not always the best way to travel... [explorerx4] by steve_ HOST
Dec 25, 2008 (9:14 am)
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Replying to: explorerx4 (Dec 25, 2008 5:39 am)

It's nice if you can figure out a way to secure sandbags, but I hear that they are better than concrete blocks or other weights that become nasty projectiles in a crash. But if a bag of sand gets wet and freezes, it'll become a 60 pound projectile too.
#1823 of 2183
Re: Mass transit not always the best way to travel... [steve_] by boaz47
Dec 25, 2008 (9:38 am)
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Replying to: steve_ (Dec 25, 2008 9:14 am)

It cost a few bucks but I have found a truck load bar works. You can get them at truck supply places. They are a long bar that adjusts with a lever that will allow you to lock the bar in place. There are two rubber ends that press against the side of the truck to prevent the bar from slipping under load. Otherwise I have used Eye Hook or bolts and ratchet tie downs.
#1824 of 2183
Re: Mass transit not always the best way to travel... [steve_] by explorerx4
Dec 25, 2008 (9:57 am)
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Replying to: steve_ (Dec 25, 2008 9:14 am)

that's you wrap them in plastic.
if something gets them moving they will just break open.
#1825 of 2183
by jeromeb
Dec 25, 2008 (10:23 am)
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When gasoline prices were above $3 here, Texas, I started trying to get better fuel economy from my 2003 Focus.
For most of the summer I did not run with the A/C on during the less hot morning commute. I also experimented with running with the windows down and the A/C off during the evening commute. As long as I was in a speed zone of 40 mph or less, I tried to have the A/C off and the windows down. I also experimented with putting the transmission in N as I approached a red light, and down hills. I also left the transmission in N as I waited for a light to turn green.
Through all this, I recorded my fuel economy.
With no economizing efforts, my Focus got 24 mpg.
With economizing efforts, my Focus got as much as 33 mpg.
 
Now, with gasoline yesterday at $1.389/g, I'm still practicing economizing efforts.
#1826 of 2183
Re: [jeromeb] by steve_ HOST
Dec 25, 2008 (10:55 am)
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Replying to: jeromeb (Dec 25, 2008 10:23 am)

Skim back in the posts here and you'll find comments that say you burn more gas coasting in neutral than you do by leaving the transmission in drive.
 
In D the wheels turn the engine and keep it running - in N, you have to burn gas to keep it running. When coasting in gear, the fuel injectors cut off all gas to the engine.
 
Now try turning the car off at lights instead of putting it in N.
 
Pretty impressive mpg gain you've achieved - congrats!
#1827 of 2183
Re: [jeromeb] by explorerx4
Dec 25, 2008 (3:58 pm)
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Replying to: jeromeb (Dec 25, 2008 10:23 am)

the 'neutral' down hills may not work in the long run.
i did that with my 04 focus, but i went through the front brakes pretty quickly.
changing my style to leaving the car in gear down hills(manual trans), didn't seem to have a negative effect on the mileage.
the terrain i drive on is not very flat.
#1828 of 2183
Re: Mass transit not always the best way to travel... [steve_] by dave8697
Dec 25, 2008 (4:22 pm)
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Replying to: steve_ (Dec 25, 2008 9:14 am)

The 2x4's fore and aft of the wheelwells fit snug into bedliner slots and trap the sandbags between them. I could also tie the sand bags to the rear tie downs so they can't fly forward. I'm hoping to have more control by adding the weight.
#1829 of 2183
Re: Mass transit not always the best way to travel... [dave8697] by explorerx4
Dec 25, 2008 (4:44 pm)
Reply

Replying to: dave8697 (Dec 25, 2008 4:22 pm)

$4.00+ gas, i would be a bit concerned about adding dead weight to my vehicle.
i really would not worry about putting sand bags in the frame. i used bags of play sand (sand you put in the kid's sand box).
#1830 of 2183
A prediction affecting pump price by euphonium
Dec 28, 2008 (9:56 pm)
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In my opinion, the price of oil will be up on Monday and continue up to probably $80 a barrel, i.e.,double from the current price level. That won't help the American economy.
  
One important new development has been Israel's aggressive bombing of Gazans. I assure you that Arabs and Muslims all over the world hate the Israeli belligerence, and they will take action. I see that coming in different ways, but here are two obvious actions which will work against America's long-term interests:
  
1. Muslims will cut back the production of oil. OPEC countries are now willing to earn less money in order to show Americans their disdain for unequivocal support for Israel. I assure you that the Israelis would not be so brazen without U.S. Presidential, Congressional and media support for Israel. The Israelis have considerable military power, but they also use the power of the United States to protect them.
  
2. A new coalition of Arabs and Muslims with Russia will evolve. Russia has a common interest with them which is the price of oil as well as dislike for the Israelis. Russia will sell them military technology and partner with them on oil and gas development.
  
The excessive force and destruction in Gaza may be construed as a tactical victory by Israel over basically unarmed people ("thugs" according to a White House spokesman), but it is a major strategic blunder! Every American will pay the price. It will not abate hatred and terrorism. those negatives will increase.
#1831 of 2183
Re: A prediction affecting pump price [euphonium] by oldfarmer50
Dec 29, 2008 (4:36 am)
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Replying to: euphonium (Dec 28, 2008 9:56 pm)

"...may be construed as a tactical victory by Israel over basically unarmed people..."
 
That's certainly the way the media is spinning it. MSNBC was playing a montage of pictures this morning showing crying Gaza people set to the backdrop of bombs dropping.
 
Oil is up $3 this morning. I hope it doesn't go back to $80 but there are lots of speculators just waiting to take advantage of the latest crisis.

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