Even though these tips may sound simple; if you make an effort to do these this things every time you drive you will save fuel in the long run. Whenever possible try to use the highest possible gear if you have a standard transmission. Try to drive as smoothly and at a consistent speed as possible. Swerving in and out of traffic and speeding up and then slowing down wastes more fuel.

If you plan on being stationary for more than a few minutes you should shut off the engine. If you sit there with the car running you will burn unnecessary fuel and your car will be putting CO2 emissions into the air. It takes less fuel to turn off the engine and turn it back on then to just sit there idling.

You should keep your windows closed whenever possible. With the windows closed the car is more aerodynamic and uses less fuel. Another thing you can do is to make sure you don’t carry around unnecessary items in your car, especially heavy items. The more weight in your car the harder the engine has to work and that means using more fuel.

Your tire pressure is very important to helping you have better fuel efficiency. If you keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s suggested pressure you will save on fuel. The best way to save fuel and to help the environment is not to use your car for short journeys; you can try walking instead. You will save money on fuel and get exercise at the same time.

These are just some of the things you can do to save on the high price of fuel and also be saving the environment at the same time. If everyone would follow these simple tips the world would be a cleaner place to live.

The New Year is creeping up on us and 2009 is now a few moments away.

Now is the very best time of year to go looking at what deals are available on the car dealers lots – it’s a new year and a whole new set of sales incentives are available as 2008 is consigned to history and America gets to do it all over again!

Car prices are dropping like a rock given the economy but we all need to drive; now you can negotiate a great deal on whatever vehicle you are interested in simply because of the time of year and the very real desire of dealers to get cars moving off the lot but also the necessity being imposed from the very highest levels in Washington DC for car buyers to get a the best value for money deal possible while that great big car industry bail out is still being considered.

If you are looking for a hybrid, regular gas or diesel fuel or going green all the way – you really are in the driving seat when it comes to making a deal.

Do your research in between the turkey and cranberry and go prepared to the dealer with what you are looking for and have a budget in mind when you do.  Show you mean business to the sales representative and you are bound to stimulate their interest in selling you the vehicle you are looking for – don’t forget to focus on the optional extras you are looking for as this is something car makers and dealers are looking to use to make profit and is where you will find they are willing to negotiate great value deals with you.

The Big 3 were slapped down by Congress last month when they were asking for a combined $25 billion bail out; now they are back and asking for $34 billion but there is a lot more being tied into the deal than just a trio of fat cats shouting, “Sho Me the Money!”.

Key to their proposals are the continuing development of green alternatives and a strategy to reduce prices of green cars and especially hybrids.  I think this is the right way to go; Congress and our lawmakers have a clear opportunity to lead by example in the development of the green economy and the car industry is giving them a gift on a plate.

Forcing the American car industry to develop green alternatives which are commercially viable for all of us is a major step forward for America.  The deal that is being put on the table is sending out another message as well; GM is introducing massive savings programs which include ending production of gas guzzling hogs such as the Hummer as part of any economic rescue package.

We have to be clear here; whatever comes out of the deal, and I do not doubt that America’s car makers need help, this is our money and it must be spent on what will not just help the automakers but the country at large as well; in fact, this whole deal should turn on what is in America’s interests and not the car companies.

For the last thirty years, we have been told that green cars are 10 years away and that 10 years has never seemed to have gotten closer; now is an opportunity to lay down true foundations for a green auto industry that will deliver green cars for all of America and if it takes 10 years or 20 doesn’t matter; it’s where we are heading and the bail out needs to be attuned to that fact of life so that we can have the green Kansas Honda, Kansas Toyota, and Kansas Ford vehicles that we need and deserve..

It came as a shock.

It simply didn’t.

The fuel used (electric/regular gas combination) did produce outstanding mileage figures and the operating carbon footprint was pretty miniscule but this is the misconception that needs to be overcome.

The operating costs are not the only costs involved in the equation.  If you are going to  reduce your carbon footprint you must also take into account the carbon cost of producing the vehicle in the first instance – something many people, including car marketing departments, tend to overlook with all of the hype.

Reducing your carbon footprint in practical terms involves not only how we use our vehicles but how they are themselves manufactured; just take a look at how much water is required to produce a rubber tire for instance!

You can reduce your carbon footprint today by simply addressing your driving habits and this helps no matter what car you drive.

Drive at lower speeds; reducing your speed by 5 miles an hour will result in a dramatic reduction in gas consumption.  To drive a car forward from 65 to 70 miles an hour requires 90% more fuel to be burned so follow the speed limits as they are set not only with road user safety in mind but also the environments.

Leave the car at home; try walking or cycling as an alternative which reduces pollution immediately and is a healthier bonus for you too.

Reduce the weight you are carrying in your car; if you are using your SUV as an extension of the house and garage just remember that every pound you carry is costing you gas to carry around.

Make sure you have your car serviced regularly so it burns fuel efficiently; a regular combustion engine can burn fuel extremely cleanly but it needs to be in good shape to do this.