Gas Archives - Page 3 of 3

I used to use MapQuest to plan my routes. Then, I switched to Google Maps, because I felt it was more intuitive. However, I may have to switch back, now that MapQuest — part of the AOL family, along with Gadling — has launched a feature allowing travelers to view gas stations’ current gas prices on a map. With information on fuel prices at more than 100,000 stations around the country, MapQuest Gas Price Finder allows users to search for gas by grade or by stations offering diesel or alternative fuels. Prices are updated seven times a day. In the future, the information will be accessible on cell phones via MapQuest Mobile with a link to directions.

For my zip code, I learned that fuel prices ranged from $2.18 to $2.51, and the gas station I usually stop at had fuel for $2.20. I guess I’m doing all right: the highest prices in the nation are currently $3.41. But who’s only paying $1.58?!

No Lights on Flights

by Iva Skoch on Dec 6, 2006

While we’ve undoubtedly helped to clear the air about odor on planes, maybe some of our readers have taken us too seriously. We reported on the passenger who sued the airline for removing him because of his odor; we’ve told you that most U.S. airlines have an odor policy. And we’ve warned you that your plane might be less than fresh. But after the Richard Reid incident, we’d have thought that everyone knows you can’t light matches on planes.

Not everyone has learned the lesson. The AP reported that a Dallas-bound American Airlines flight that was forced to land in Nashville yesterday after the crew smelled burning sulfur. Some matches had been lit by a female passenger in an attempt to conceal a “body odor,” according to the spokeswoman for Nashville’s airport. All 99 passengers and their bags were screened on the ground, and the flight took off once more, but without that passenger, who was detained and questioned by the FBI (but not charged).

Oil Travelogue at Chicago Tribune

by Erik Olsen on Aug 17, 2006

This isn’t exactly the kind of trip you’re going to want to take with the family, but it is a worthy trip to make online, at least.

This fine interactive over at the Chicago Tribune, takes a long, interactive and video look at where a gallon of gas comes from .The reporter, Pulitzer-Prize winner Paul Salopek, traversed the globe to find out where our gas comes from, how we’re able to drive those SUVs, what is that stuff, exactly that comes out of the pump .It is a superb piece of travel/issue-oriented journalism and is worth spending a lunchtime watching. In addition to the video interactive, there is also a series of articles.

I give this a big thumbs up.

Road Trip Forecast: The Cost of Gas

by Adrienne Wilson on Apr 11, 2006

This news from CNN shouldn’t be surprising or
shocking. Vacation drives are looking to be a lot more expensive than last year, with regular gas averaging at 25 cents
higher than 2005. However, AAA predicts folks
won’t be cutting back on driving and that the summer travel season will be a busy one. Now I’ll leave it right
there for now in terms of what they’ve got to say. We all know what the situation looks like in our own neck of the
woods, so you tell me how the gas is affecting your travel plans. Is it? To some, 25 cents is quite a hike, especially
if you’re trying to push your vehicle coast to coast on I-10. That kind of money adds up. Should we not even bother to
think or worry about the gas cost and take the scenic route on our summer drives? For those of you who find money an
issue and are unwilling to compromise your dreamy drives down the unknown road, here are a few money and gas-saving
tips:

Before the Trip:

Air filter -Make sure your air
filter is clean. Air filters are easy to check and change and can help the performance and economy of your vehicle by
allowing good air flow to the engine.
Tire pressure – Tires that are under-inflated can
cost you 2 to 3 MPG and then some. Keep a reliable tire gauge handy and be sure to keep tires inflated properly.
Rims – I highly doubt many of you will be taking to the highways with 24" chrome and
spinners on your wheels, but should that be the case you may wish to reconsider. If the rims widen the tire stock you
could decreasing fuel economy by creating more rolling resistance. (See About.com)
Evaluate your load – Clean out your car before adding all your travel necessities. Roof racks and carriers can help provide additional space, yet
keep in mind they decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent.
Vehicle selection – Sure you’re
only using your summer whip for a couple of weeks, maybe months, but when it’s time to rent or take one of your vehicles
aim for the one with the best fuel economy. Use www.fueleconomy.gov to find and
compare vehicles. The extra hundred dollars could become quite useful elsewhere.

During the
Trip:

Slow down – You’re on vacation, there is absolutely no reason to
rush, plus traveling 55mph gives you 21% better mileage.
Roll down the windows –
Gasp! No A/C? Mother Nature’s air is often the best kind of air to help give your vehicle a break. Consider keeping the
A/C off a good portion of your trip when driving at reduced speeds around town or in city traffic.
Keep the A/C going – Confused? Well, many studies show that keeping the A/C going isn’t all that bad when driving at increased
speeds on highways. The air conditioner will still consume fuel, but having the windows up will decrease the drag on
your vehicle created from wind resistance.
Gas purchases – Always try to buy gasoline
when it’s cooler. HowtoAdvice.com notes that gas tends to be densest
during the early morning and late evening, where gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, note densities of fuel
concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement."
Brand and
grade – Don’t be fooled into thinking high
octane gasoline is going to give you stellar mileage or performance. While very few cars require the use of premium
gasoline, most vehicles only need regular to fill up the tank. When in doubt, thumb through your owner’s manual.
Carpooling and friends – A road trip wouldn’t be a road trip without a few close pals.
Bring them along and plan to save on fuel together.

After the trip make plans to do it all over again
and if you’ve got a few tips of your own pass them this way.

Top 10 U.S. Cities Best Prepared for an Oil Crisis

by Adrienne Wilson on Apr 2, 2006

Spring just arrived, summer is somewhere around the corner and gas prices are surging, again. Time to start
evaluating the cost of any potential cross-country road trips this season. Better yet, it’s time to start re-evaluating
where you live. I am. Sustain
Lane takes a close look at some of America’s 50 biggest cities and breaks them down into a list of the 10
best prepared for an oil crisis should one rise. For the most part many will not come as a surprise; NYC has the
most means of metro transportation available and a city not afraid to utilize it and well, Honolulu, on the island of
Oahu isn’t exactly that huge. You could walk the entire island if needed, but seriously, cities are ranked according to
factors like recent city commute practices, metro area public transportation, sprawl, traffic congestion, local food,
and wireless network access. With all the details found in the article you’ll want to know how your city stacks up and
what makes it best prepared for an ill oil situation. I already abhor driving unless it’s on long open roads and
judging from these factors I’d be quite out of luck here in Tampa.

The best prepared are as follows: