This spring I test-drove a Toyota Prius. It's probably the most popular of the hybrid cars and has been around since 1997. During the test drive it was amazing to see the car's battery level increase during my short 10-minute trip. Whenever the engine was running it simultaneously charged the partially-discharged battery in order to restore it to full capacity. When you stopped, the entire car became completely quiet. A few months before I had spoken with a woman who told me it took one tank of gas to drive hers to Los Angeles from Utah. Wow! The only drawback of the Prius? Those over 6 feet tall will be a little short on headroom in the back seat. I think a hybrid car is in the future for each of us. Soon the gas-only sedans will go the way of black-and-white television.
Last week at work a coworker handed me a listing of the local gas prices around town. I thought I'd share the MapQuest link she gave me. I am not sure of how current/accurate they are, but considering recent gas prices, it may be worth it to check your area:
Because of rising gas prices I've found myself waiting to run errands until they stack up, doing them on the way home from work, walking or running to do local shopping, and also increasing my car-pooling. Trips are now often calculated in dollars, not miles. I also checked the pressure in my tires last month and found them embarrassingly low. Inflating them to around 35 psi (or just under) will get you another 1-2 miles per gallon (as was my case). It'll also make your tires wear a little longer.
Last week at work a coworker handed me a listing of the local gas prices around town. I thought I'd share the MapQuest link she gave me. I am not sure of how current/accurate they are, but considering recent gas prices, it may be worth it to check your area:
If you live in Utah, here's a link featured on KSL.com:
http://www.utahgasprices.com/Quick_Search.aspx 
Because of rising gas prices I've found myself waiting to run errands until they stack up, doing them on the way home from work, walking or running to do local shopping, and also increasing my car-pooling. Trips are now often calculated in dollars, not miles. I also checked the pressure in my tires last month and found them embarrassingly low. Inflating them to around 35 psi (or just under) will get you another 1-2 miles per gallon (as was my case). It'll also make your tires wear a little longer.
Thanks to my brother, Andrew, for the e-mail containing these little political cartoons of gasoline humor. They're a gas! I look forward to owning a car that converts solar energy during long stays in the parking lot into power! I can only imagine what solar panels could do on my house. They ought to come standard on all homes.
I guess that until I start putting my money where my mouth is and actually buy a hybrid vehicle or a new bike, I'll be guzzling gas.
I guess that until I start putting my money where my mouth is and actually buy a hybrid vehicle or a new bike, I'll be guzzling gas.
1 comment:
I was seriously considering the Prius when I bought my Matrix (but at that point I decided the technology was a little untested and I'd wait until my next car). I admire your responsible gas usage.
Thanks for blogging again - we've missed you!
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