Ask Patty's Fuel Efficient Blog Carnival: May 28, 2008

Welcome to the AskPatty Blog Carnival, where we provide a refreshing assortment of female friendly news and interesting automotive tidbits from around the blogosphere. Now that gas prices are up over $4 a gallon, we've been bombarded with stories suggesting ways to save gas and money. Since I just paid $4.19 for regular self serve, and drove past another station pricing it at $4.29 (!) I thought I would share these valuable tips here. Email Ask Patty at info@askpatty.com to include your own blog bits in next week's carnival!


We all know hybrid vehicles are specially equipped to save fuel, thanks to their lightweight design and efficient fuel system. IWantBetterGasMileage has posted an article with tricks to help hybrid drivers get maximum output out of every gallon of gasoline, though the tips there will benefit drivers of every vehicle. And as long as you're on the site, check out this article that shares additional tips to help save gas.

In a world where SUVs are seen as the villain fighting against a greener environment, Mercedes has jumped into the ring to change consumers' way of thinking. Instead of marketing yet another SUV that does more harm than good, Mercedes has changed the mold to wonderful results: According to this blog at TheGreenMotorist.com Mercedes has managed to outdo themselves by combining both BlueTEC technology and a hybrid system to give consumers the best of both worlds.

As the cost of airfares continue to skyrocket, many travelers are choosing to drive to their vacation destinations. However, depending on the condition of your car, you may want to consider renting a car for your vacation instead of driving your own vehicle. TravelGlobeBlog.com has posted an article to help you weigh your automotive travel options.

Gas prices are getting so high that some pumps can't even handle the numbers, so even if you haven't been thinking about fuel efficiency, you'll probably will soon.  Using less fuel is good for your wallet and the environment, so Allie's Green Answers offers  a few green ways to cut your consumption.

With gasoline prices racing past the $4-per-gallon barrier, we're all feeling the pinch at the pump. TipDiva offers ten ways to save, including making more effective trips, adjusting work times to avoid traffic, and using public transportation.

In an article that tends to go against a common opinion, CarOfTheDay.com  pointed us towards this article at carspace.com that says that most vehicles can go 5,000, 7,000 or even 10,000 miles without an oil change depending on driving habits and conditions. What does your owner's manual say?

When you're in the market to purchase a used vehicle, preferably one that's dependable, reliable, and can get you from point A to point B without problem, it's best to ask yourself a few questions first. This article at CarsForGirls.com lists 10 questions to ask at the onset of your search to help give you the power to resist an impulse buy later.

Even though the blogger at MoneyBlueBook.com relies on public transportation for his work-related commute,  his recognizes that buying a hybrid requires a sizable upfront investment that may not be suitable for many at this time. His article is focused on helping drivers who own plain old fossil fuel gas guzzlers, saying "Regular drivers who jet around in old-fashioned gas-powered vehicles will appreciate these five tips to save at the gas station." And while you're there, be sure to peruse the informative  list of the best gas credit card rebates and cash back rewards.

Are you a do-it-yourself kind of car chick? Tracee at Blogfabulous  certainly is, because, she says, "Sometimes it's easier to fix something myself than to get it to the top of my husband's list." In this blog, this handywoman shares tips on now to charge your air conditioning, boasting "Being competent makes me feel like a bad ass."  We love that she also encourages her daughter and includes her in the repairs, saying "that all girls should be empowered and parents are in the best position to empower them."  Way to go, awesome autogirls!!


Finally, if you've decided to just give up your car and rely on the good old 'footmobile,' consider donating your car.  The blogger over at Sensible Self Improvements shares a valuable story with list of great organizations as well as information on how you can donate your car and really help out someone less fortunate than yourself.

And that's it for this week's AskPatty Cars Around the World Blog Carnival! Make sure to submit your article for next week's "Automotive Advice for Women Blog Carnival" using the online form  or by emailing Ask Patty at info@askpatty.com.

By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty Editor

And that's it for this week's AskPatty Cars Around the World Blog Carnival! Make sure to submit your article for next week's "Automotive Advice for Women Blog Carnival" using the online form  or by emailing Ask Patty at info@askpatty.com.

By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty Editor

Comments

[natlaquarium]

Great tips!

The National Aquarium in Baltimore recently launched a new blog and, more specifically, posted a recent entry about Earth Day.

You can read more about it here: http://nationalaquarium.wordpress.com/2008/04/22/happy-earth-day/

[Tip Diva]

Thank you for including my post! Can't wait to read the others.

[Missy]

Hi,
Appreciate the mention of our green car blog, The Green Motorist, in your post.

Mercedes is now on the ball, but hopefully it is "not too little too late".

Good round up. Have a nice weekend!

Missy.

[Lauren]

I found this youtube video that also provides some interesting tips to maintain better gas mileage. Check it out: http://youtube.com/watch?v=TtHfbC0EHRw