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Zoomin' Green tips on how to save gas!


By Michael Harley




1. Do not warm up your engine
Modern engines don’t need to warm-up before they are ready to hit the road. In fact, the sooner they get going, the quicker they reach operating temperatures to run most efficiently. This helps your wallet, and the environment.

2. Eliminate “jack-rabbit” starts
You are not in a race (unless you are on the track). Gently apply pressure to the gas pedal when leaving a stop and you will save fuel… and still get to your destination on time. As an added benefit, your tires will last longer!

3. Anticipate stops
Look ahead of the vehicle. If the light up the road is red, or a stop sign is looming, let off the gas pedal and coast. While coasting, most vehicles use little (if any) fuel, so the savings is substantial.

4. Keep the windows rolled up
Today’s cars are aerodynamically designed to cheat the wind with the windows up. When a window is down (including the sunroof being open), drag goes up and fuel economy suffers significantly.

5. Reduce weight in your vehicle
Added weight in the vehicle increases the load on the engine. As expected, an engine that has to work harder also burns more fuel. Empty the trunk (and passenger compartment) of unnecessary loads and gas mileage will improve!

6. Keep your engine in tune
Engines are designed to run with clean oil, and unobstructed air filters. When you engine is regularly serviced, and well maintained, it will reward you with better fuel efficiency. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way.

7. Check your tires
Tires with low air pressure require more power to roll across the pavement. Understandably, this increases the workload on the engine decreasing fuel economy. Keep them at recommended pressures, or higher, for the greatest efficiency.

8. Choose your routes carefully
The shortest route isn’t always the most efficient. Choose a route with fewer start/stop cycles and your mileage will improve, even if it is a bit longer.

9. Shut down the engine when waiting
Don’t let the engine idle more than 30 seconds. At that point, it is more efficient to shut it down and restart it. If you are waiting a long time, roll down the windows and take in the fresh air (don’t forget to put them back up again when you drive away!).

10. Drive on a warm engine
As we mentioned in tip #1, a warm engine runs most efficient. By consolidating all of your trips and errands, you will increase your range on each tank of fuel.



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The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is still operating.
Consumers can still take advantage of the government program and receive a $3,500 or $4,500 discount for their trade-in vehicle when purchasing or leasing a new vehicle.

Check back often to this site for updates and information.



Important things to Know

  • Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
  • Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
  • Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks
    and cargo vans have different requirements)
  • Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
  • You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase.
  • Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
  • The program requires the scrapping of your eligible trade-in vehicle, and that the dealer disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in. The scrap value, however minimal, will be in addition to the rebate, and not in place of the rebate.
  • All dealers identified by their OEM as an authorized dealer will receive a letter with instructions on how to complete the registration process. NHTSA expects the system for completing this process will be operational on July 24.
  • Transactions on and after July 1 are potentially eligible for credits but you may want to wait until all of the detailed issues are resolved and the final rule is issued on July 24.
  • Rebates are limited to transactions between July 1, 2009, and November 1, 2009, OR when the funds are exhausted — even if that occurs before November 1.
  • Each transaction you submit will require accurate supporting documentation to ensure timely reimbursement. Errors and omissions will result in rejection and a resubmission of the transaction with corrected documentation.
  • NHTSA will provide you with guidance on how to process the transaction, checklist for accurately completing the transaction and examples of mistakes to avoid.


  • New Dedicated Lexus Hybrid: Lexus HS 250h
    In July 2008, the Nikkei, the Japanese business daily newspaper, reported that Lexus will unveil a new hybrid-only model at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. According to the story, Lexus plans to produce whopping 100,000 units of the vehicle in 2009. It's part of Toyota's plan to revamp a number of manufacturing facilities as it gears up to sell 1 million hybrid vehicles annually. The Lexus HS250h will most likely be outfitted with the 2.4-liter engine and electric motor combo found in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and share many of the same mechanicals as that car. A luxury sedan with fuel efficiency in the mid-30s or higher could be a winner.

    Saturn Vue Green Line Two-Mode
    The current Saturn Vue Green Line uses a version of hybrid technology, known as stop-start, which shuts down the gasoline engine at idle. That mild hybrid technology produces a fuel economy improvement of about 25 percent over its conventional counterparts. Not bad. But the next Saturn Vue Green Line-the "two-mode" hybrid version scheduled to begin production early in 2009-promises a 45 to 50 percent bump in fuel efficiency. That's huge. The front-wheel drive Saturn Vue Two-Mode hybrid could get combined fuel economy in the high-20s or low-30s. At the same time, the Vue Two-Mode will offer a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The mild-hybrid Vue Green Line and full two-mode hybrid version will be sold side by side. Pricing is expected just below $30,000.

    BMW 7-Series Hybrid
    BMW launched its new 7-series in Paris and unveiled a hybrid concept version which will cut fuel use by 15 percent. It combines a V8 engine with electric drive with a mild hybrid system.




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    2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
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