The Allstate Blog » Saving Gas

Safer or Just Slower? Speed Bumps and Roundabouts

Brendan — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:00:57 +0000

When you think about traffic innovations like the speed bump, bodybuilding may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are a few people who might think of a man named Tom Owen as they idle through speed bump-laden parking lots. Tom earned the title of “Human Speed Bump” the hard way. He demonstrated his incredible core strength by letting nine trucks drive over his body in 2009. The combined weight of those trucks was about 30,000 pounds. While Tom’s feat of superhuman strength put his life in danger, traditional speed bumps have a modest beginning that has played a crucial role in traffic safety.

Increasing Safety One Bump at a Time

The first known instance of a speed bump was recorded by The New York Times on March 7, 1906. The newspaper reported that a new sign that read “Warning – Raised Crosswalks” was about to appear in Chatham, N.J. Built with flagstones and cobblestones that were five inches high, The New York Times wrote that although building these speed bumps had been discussed in other areas to prohibit speeding, “Chatham is the first place to put it in practice.” Today, speed bumps still play an important role when it comes to traffic safety. The Portland Bureau of Transportation reports that streets which have had speed bumps installed see “a 39 percent decrease in crashes per year.” Tom Owen’s success rate is currently unavailable.

Preventing Accidents in a Roundabout Way

Cities like Paris andWashington,D.C.were built to feature traffic circles within their roadways. On a smaller scale, the modern roundabout has worked wonders to improve safety and regulate traffic flow. Letchworth Garden City is home to theU.K.’s first roundabout, which dates back to 1909. The city’s website says that “town architects Barry Parker and Raymond Unwin introduced this now common road junction to this country as part of the master plan for the Garden City.” Development continued years later. The BBC reported that in the 1960s, a British engineer named Frank Blackmore is largely responsible for the mini roundabouts we see in place of suburban intersections today. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the first modern residential roundabout in the U.S. was built in theLas Vegassuburb of Summerlin, Nev. in 1990. The nation’s first modern freeway roundabout followed in 1995, at the I-70 interchange in Vail, Colo. ADOT reports that the benefits of roundabouts include a 90 percent reduction in fatal crashes, as well as a 75 percent reduction in crashes that result in injury. There are environmental benefits as well, which include reduced fuel consumption and pollution, as well as less traffic noise, thanks to fewer starts and stops. Although these features may slow you down along your intended route, the speed bump and the roundabout aim to save lives and prevent accidents. And fortunately for Tom Owen, we can build them out of asphalt or concrete.

Photo courtesy of www.mto.gov.on.ca

Deconstructing High Gas Prices

Jen — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:06:34 +0000

Every driver has been there: you pull up to the pump, swipe your credit card and then recoil from the final cost of filling up your tank.

Our wallets are feeling the strain of increased fuel costs, but what exactly are we paying for when our cars guzzle up gallons of gas? And how does the rising price of gas spill over into the costs of other products?

The Basics

Ken Cohen at Exxon Mobile's Perspectives blog breaks down exactly what we're paying for in a gallon of gasoline, beginning with the cost of raw materials. As you might expect, the cost of crude oil is the biggest single expense in a gallon of gas. That Perspectives post breaks down the component costs of a gallon of gas that costs $3.27. (According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge, as of this writing, the current average is up to $3.83). Of that amount, a hefty $2.55 goes toward crude oil, which then needs to be refined. That's why in the long term, the biggest hope for mitigating gas costs is innovations in fuel-efficient vehicles. Of course, you could just sit at home all day doing nothing and save big. But for those who need to head out onto the open road, fuel efficient vehicles are the best bet for your wallet. Per that Perspectives post, the cost of covering taxes amounts to (on average) another 39 cents, while distributing and marketing the product adds 33 cents to the price tag.

The Trickle Down Effect

The shipping industry feels the pinch more than most, and the increased cost of fuel is often passed on to consumers.

Rising gas costs don't just affect us at the pump. The shipping industry feels the pinch more than most, and the increased cost of fuel is often passed on to consumers. Brandon Gale of Retail Shipping Associates told the New York Times last year that the clock was ticking on how long it would be before high gas prices filtered down to customers. UPS spokesperson Dan McMackin went a step further, directly telling the International Business Times that high gas costs were reflected in the increased prices of their services. You're paying more to get a package delivered than you were a few years ago, and that increase is mostly due to the price hikes at your local gas station. Moreover, stores that now need to pay more to get their products shipped - everything from groceries to electronics - raise prices in turn to recoup those costs. It's not all bad news: a recent Forbes report claims we’re in better shape to withstand rising gas prices this year, citing a strengthening economy and a recovering job market to help soften the blow. Still, those eBay bargains you're eyeing will be pricey to ship.

Take a Look Around

To get an idea of how much you're paying for gas relative to other products, it's worth using this comparison tool provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here, the average consumer price for a number of products is provided, including a gallon of gas, a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs, and even a whole chicken. According to that data, a gallon of milk cost an average of $3.499 in March 2012, compared to $3.868 for a gallon of regular unleaded in the same month. Unfortunately you can't (yet) power your vehicle by milk. In contrast to those figures, residents of Seattle pay less than a penny per gallon of water according to this report on the state's public utilities. Now all we have to do is wait for the first water-fueled car to come along so we can take to the highway with a lot less stress on our minds.

9 Tips to Maximize MPG and Reduce Pain at the Pump

Brendan — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:52:30 +0000

Get ready for more pain at the pump (and in your wallet) this year. Reports suggest that gas prices in 2012 again may climb above $4 per gallon in much of the country. While skyrocketing gas prices are hardly the best way to ring in the New Year, you can keep rising costs in check—and even save money on gas)—by making simple changes in your driving habits. Here’s what to do:

Accelerate less, drive more. Thanks to the simple laws of physics, cars use the most gas as they accelerate. Gentle braking—or avoiding the brakes all together—is the best way to prevent unnecessary acceleration and manage gas consumption. In stop-and-go traffic, leave extra distance between your car and the car in front of you. Doing so will allow the car to gently (and safely) coast, which is preferable to slamming on the brakes and then flooring the accelerator to start moving again. Slow down. Speeding on the highway can be a tough habit to break, but it’s worth every penny to do so. In fact, slowing from 70 mph to 65 mph can reduce fuel consumption by up to 7 percent. And decreasing speeds from 65 mph to 55 mph can save you even more. Empty out your trunk. Driving around with extra gear in your trunk weighs down your car. Carrying your golf clubs? Storing extra suitcases? If you truly want to get serious about how to save gas when driving, empty everything out aside from your emergency roadside kit. Remove your luggage rack. Unless you are currently using your ski, bicycle or luggage rack, dismount it. Even the most aerodynamic racks add wind resistance, which decreases your fuel efficiency. Rethink your commute. The more time you spend in stop and go traffic, the more gas you’ll burn... and the more money you'll be spending. Rethink your daily commute and choose secondary roads to avoid heavy traffic or stoplights. Remember, the shortest route is not always the most fuel-efficient. Downsize your rental. A smaller car will always have greater fuel economy thanks to its smaller mass. You may not be able to trade in your family car at home, but if you’re traveling and have the option to rent, opt for a smaller vehicle. You’ll have just as much fun on vacation, and you’ll have a little extra change in your pocket to enjoy the sights. Straighten up. Improper alignment not only wears your tires faster, but it also causes your engine to work harder—burning more gas. The next time you get your oil changed, ask to have your tires aligned. Check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires, like misaligned tires, cause your engine to burn more gas. In fact, one out of every four cars may be driving with slightly deflated tires. Even minor under-inflation can cost up to 6 cents per gallon in lost efficiency. Check your owner’s manual for the proper inflation. Drive less. Spend every day behind the wheel? Rethinking your driving habits can help you save money. When running errands, park your car in one central place and walk to different stores, rather than driving around the same shopping center. Make one day each week your “car-free” day. Walk, bike or take public transportation. Set up a weekly commute with coworkers or friends. If you’re not driving, you’re not spending money on gas!

Improve MPG Through Hypermiling Techniques

Brendan — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:40:06 +0000

If someone told you there was a way to improve your gas mileage by as much as 55 percent without making any modifications to your car, you’d probably think they were nuts. Now imagine it’s the U.S. Department of Energy telling you that. Some people might still hear the “nutjob” alarm going off, regardless. But according to studies they’ve conducted, you can dramatically improve MPG simply by driving the speed limit and—here comes the hard part for some—letting go of certain aggressive driving behaviors. This is just one of a series of behavioral adjustments that many are adopting as gas prices continue to creep higher and higher. It’s called hypermiling, and it’s become something of a sport for those obsessed with getting hyper mileage from their vehicles. While there are plenty of unsafe techniques that people have put into use like removing their side view mirrors to eliminate drag or turning off their engines while coasting downhill, there are many other perfectly safe methods that’ll have a beneficial impact on your mileage.

Keep your car tuned up and maintained. This is the U.S. Department of Energy’s second most effective tip for saving on gas, and according to their estimates can improve MPG in your vehicle by as much as 19 percent.
Check your tire’s air pressure often. An underinflated tire isn’t only unsafe, it’s also incredibly wasteful. The amount of drag that you generate by driving around on tires that aren’t properly inflated is enough to impact your miles per gallon significantly. Air pressure should be checked at least once per month – but be sure you’re not overinflating, as that can be dangerous as well.
Use cruise control when driving on freeways. This is an oft-used hyper mileage technique that keeps you at a steady, even speed and prevents you from unconsciously throttling up and down which can burn gas unnecessarily.
Cut down on your idle time by shutting off your engine when you’re delayed at railroad crossings and packed drive-through restaurants.
Clean out your car. While this might sound like something that your better half would nag you to do while trying to sell you on its benefits as a hypermiling technique, it actually works. Lowering the weight load in your car by not storing junk in the trunk and by not turning your car’s back seat into a second home can make a huge improvement.

In the end, common sense prevails. There are no real “secret" hypermiling techniques. As long as you keep in mind that your behavior behind the wheel has the biggest impact on your MPG, you can realize some sizable savings.

Consider 5 Concealed Costs When Shopping for a New Car

Brendan — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:19:37 +0000

When buying a new car, think about unexpected expenses (i.e. car insurance costs can vary across car models, gas mileage, reliability, etc.) -- don’t only look at the sticker price. Before you make a decision on which car is right for you, think about other expenses that come with a new car smell: car insurance, gas mileage, reliability, attractiveness to thieves, etc. Consider these five unexpected costs when buying a new car:

Car insurance: Different car makes and models have different insurance costs for the same coverage. The pricier and “sportier” the car is, the higher the insurance. There is a big difference in the monthly insurance costs of a red Ferrari convertible and a white Honda sedan. Before you buy a new car, check out a few personalized car insurance quotes to determine exactly how much the car will cost you. Gas mileage: With gas prices rising to ever increasing heights, more Americans are realizing that a car’s mileage can make a big difference in their monthly budget. If you drive 200 miles a week and gas costs $3/gallon, a car that runs on 30 miles per gallon will cost you $20 per week. A car that runs on 15 miles per gallon, however, will cost you $40 per week. Fueleconomy.gov has estimated mileage information for new and used cars. Reliability / maintenance costs: When you write the check for a new car, the costs have only started. Cars with a good warranty and reliability reviews will cost you less over the lifetime of car ownership, whereas the least expensive cars would not be the best deals if they break down frequently, Safety: While this is not a direct cost of the car, when you have an accident you’ll have to be in a sturdy car with updated safety features. The good news is that with the technology today, you can find affordable vehicles that offer adequate protection. Warranty: Most new cars (and many certified used cars) carry a factory warranty. Warranties guarantee that the manufacturer pays for costs for repairs incurred within a certain mileage or year range, whichever comes first. When comparing cars, be sure to look into the fine print on the warranties. For some cars, maintenance is covered; for others, not. Warranties do not cover every type of repair, but they do provide value and some peace of mind to owners. It is important to get a good deal on your new car, the cost of a car isn’t limited to just the initial purchase price. Keep these costs in mind so you don’t get an unpleasant surprise when you calculate the true cost of your car!

Well Heeled is a guest blogger from WellHeeledBlog. In exchange for sharing this content, the Allstate Community has compensated her via cash payment.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle

Erick — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:31:37 +0000

There was a time when motorcycle owners were stereotyped as outlaws, but now motorcycle enthusiasts come in all walks of life from youth dirt bikers to retirees seeking to tour the country on two wheels. Motorcycles are more popular now than ever because of the freedom they help provide, fuel economy and relatively low cost of maintenance. Last month Allstate asked the Community: "What type of bike is your motorcycle of choice?" Your answers showed that the choice of motorcycle varies as much as the people who ride them.

Cruiser 31.19% - Cruisers are very popular with our Allstate readers, and for good reason. Not only are they attractive, but they are also easier to operate. They typically travel at lower speeds and are more comfortable on relatively short tours. Most notable cruisers include Harley-Davidson and BMW motorcycles.
Touring/Sport Touring 27.83% - Touring bikes are substantially larger than other motorcycles but offer unmatched comfort for longer trips. They boast larger gas tanks and increased storage capacity as well. A unique quality of many touring bikes is passenger comfort with full sized and upright seating.
Sport Bike/High Performance 22.02% - Sport bikes are typically faster and require the rider to lean forward. These bikes are usually better in performance and handling, and are often more lightweight as well. Comfort is somewhat sacrificed for speed and performance but these bikes are extremely popular.
Standard 11.31% - Standard bikes are essentially a hybrid between cruisers and sport bikes. They are versatile but typically devoid of fairings or wind screens and are usually "naked" in appearance. These bikes are often highly recommended for new riders because of reliability, manageable engines, and low price range
Custom 7.65% - Customs are difficult to describe because they are usually modified to the riders preference. Larger engines, louder pipes, or handlebars modified to the riders comfort or individual appeal are often additions to this type of motorcycle.

The Choice is Yours

When it comes to motorcycles, there certainly are a plethora of options from which to choose. But, how do you pick the motorcycle that is right for you? Choosing the right bike depends on your experience level, price range and driving preferences. Experience: Your experience with motorcycles or mechanical equipment in general has an effect on which motorcycle you should choose. If you’re a beginner and haven’t had much experience with larger engines, faster speeds, or tighter handling, a sports or custom bike might not be your safest choice. Take into consideration your experience and choose the safest motorcycle for your level. Price Range: The budget conscious and the unrestricted shopper can both find the right motorcycle. Custom choppers with vintage wheels and unique paint certainly have price ranges much higher than base level cruisers, but that doesn’t mean a motorcycle purchase is an uneconomical one. Take into consideration purchase price and economic savings when looking at your next motorcycle purchase. Driving Preference: When you envision cruising the open road in your new motorcycle do you see yourself taking long trips or short ones? Are you a ‘pedal to the metal’ type of driver or do you prefer a more casual cruise? These preferences will take your motorcycle purchase from touring to sport bike in two seconds flat. Think about where you’ll be driving in your new purchase. Your driving preference should help you decide which bike is best for you.

In addition…

Ask around. Many motorcycle enthusiasts are proud of their machines and will talk very candidly about what they ride and why. Get first hand perspective from someone who has experience riding motorcycles. Which works best for them, considering their size and strength?
Visit dealerships. Dealerships are full of salesmen and customers who will be more than happy to assist in finding the right motorcycle as well. The sales staff will be able to answer technical questions, give a variety of in-stock models, and be able to discuss pricing options.
Take a class. Many dealerships and private companies offer beginner through advanced riding classes. Some even provide bikes to learn on and test with. These classes are designed to teach the basics and give the operator confidence when on a bike. The rider should find classes endorsed or provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). In many states, the MSF certification exempts the rider from the riding portion of the motorcycle riding exam. Insurance discounts are sometimes available with MSF certifications as well. Be sure to ask your insurance agent if these discounts are available.

Finding the right motorcycle for your needs doesn’t have to be difficult. Using these tips will help put you on the fast track to purchasing the best motorcycle.

Hitting the Road this Summer? Take this Quiz for Five Less-traveled Tips to Help Save Gas

Brendan — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:34:20 +0000

“Road trip!” What a tempting idea, especially now that it’s summer. But with gas prices climbing higher than the temperature at noon in mid-July, you’ll need a plan to make sure they don’t break your budget. Of course, all the tried and true gas saving strategies are a must. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your car’s properly tuned. Keep your ride smooth by driving slower, coasting when possible and not being aggressive in traffic. Change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles. But don’t stop with the basics—there’s a lot more you can do. Take this quiz to learn about five lesser-known tips that also can help cut your gas costs.

1.) True or False: Running your air conditioner can sometimes increase your gas mileage.

True. When driving more than 40 miles an hour, experts feel you're better off running your air conditioner than rolling down your windows. The drag on your car’s aerodynamics with an open window is worse for your mileage than running your A/C.

2.) What’s the best element for filling your tires?

(A) Oxygen
(B) Hydrogen
(C) Nitrogen
(D) Plutonium

(C) Many tire stores are recommending that you use nitrogen instead of regular air to fill your tires. Because nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules, they’re less likely to escape from your tire—and that means your tires will hold their pressure longer.

3.) True or False: Fuel additives and devices will help you save gas.

False. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Reports have tested dozens of these products and found no proof that most of them work. Even those that showed marginal improvement are not worth the expense. Save your money to fill your tank.

4.) If your car will be idling for a while, how long should you wait before shutting off the engine?

(A) 30 seconds
(B) 1 minute
(C) 2 minutes
(D) 5 minutes

(A) It does take a small increase in gas to start the car, but after 10 seconds, you’re wasting more gas by idling than if you turned it off and then restarted when you’re ready to move. Remember, idling achieves zero miles per gallon.

5.) True or False: You should always make sure your tank is filled to the brim to get the best mileage per gallon.

False. We’ve all rounded up gas charges to the next dollar. But that’s money for nothing, since the gas we’re paying for is likely to slop around or seep out. Once the automatic nozzle clicks off, consider your job done.

Take your Dream Motorcycle Road Trip without Going Broke – Part II

Brendan — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:24:20 +0000

In Part I of Take your Dream Motorcycle Road Trip we discussed the details of finding a place to sleep for the night in foreign lands. Now we’ll cover food, fuel and motorcycle maintenance. I recently finished a 19,000 mile journey that took me through Central and South America for eight months. Here are some helpful tips that helped me take that dream motorcycle road trip, a life-changing experience you, too, can enjoy.

Food

I treat myself to a nice restaurant every once in a while when traveling, but for the most part I eat at local neighborhood establishments and steer clear of places intended for tourists. In many places there are establishments (sometimes run outside the back of a house) with “set meals,” which cost only a few bucks and will fill you up and give you a taste of local cuisine. Set meals mean just that - one kind of meal with little room for variation. Don’t even think about ordering off the menu at these places since menus don’t exist! If you’ve chosen to camp often then cooking your own food is the cheapest alternative. I find it to be very satisfying. Check out backpacker equipment and recipes for more details.

Fuel

Calculating fuel costs is pretty simple. Take your average fuel efficiency of your motorcycle and the average miles per day (total trip mileage / number of days traveled), and multiply it by the average cost per gallon. Finding out what the average cost per gallon can be tricky. I was paying $2/gallon in Ecuador and $6/gallon in Chile. Check out this Wikipedia article to get a sense of the average gas prices: Typical Gasoline Prices.

Motorcycle Maintenance

If your trip lasts more than four months, chances are that you will have expenses for the maintenance on your bike. Tires, chains, sprockets, oil changes and air filters are just a few of the major jobs that you need to perform. Take out your motorcycle manual and determine when the scheduled maintenance is for major things like valve inspections. Map all these things out in terms of miles. In 15,000 miles you will probably have to swap out your chain and sprockets. A $150 chain, on a year long trip for 30,000 miles will cost you 82 cents per day.

Showing My Work:

(((Total Trip Miles / Life of Chain in Miles) * Price of Chain) / Total Days of Trip)(((30,000 / 15,000) * 150) * 365)

‘Normal’ Life Verses a Traveler’s Life

Compare your average travel costs per day with your average living costs per day now. Rent or mortgage, cable, cell phone, magazine subscriptions - just add it all up and see how much it costs for you to live. Now compare it to life on the road and having the time of your life, and I’m pretty confident your traveling budget is significantly less than your current budget. Get rid of the baggage and go out and explore the world! Make that dream motorcycle road trip a reality.

Bill Dwyer is a guest blogger from http://www.atlasrider.com. In exchange for sharing this content, the Allstate Community has compensated him via cash payment.

What Do You Look for in a Hybrid?

Jen — Sat, 28 May 2011 18:31:24 +0000

Are you in the market for a hybrid car? You may not be alone. According to manufacturers’ monthly reports, approximately 1 million hybrids were sold in the U.S. between 1999 and 2007. With the ever increasing cost of gas, hybrid and electric vehicles are attracting more and more shoppers. However, according to a study from Accenture*, six out of 10 consumers are only more likely to purchase a hybrid or electric car when it is “superior” to gasoline models on all purchasing factors, such as safety, entertainment, navigation and cost of care. While respondents that have driven a hybrid or electric vehicle rate fuel efficient as good to excellent, most rate the ride, performance, style and other factors as either good or below-good. With 42 percent of respondents likely to buy a hybrid or electric auto in the next two years, this information could be extremely useful to auto manufacturers. So if you are in the market for a new car and are considering purchasing a hybrid car, here are some key factors you should consider, outside of increased fuel efficiency:

Performance
Style
Safety
Entertainment features
Navigation features
Cost of Care

*Accenture surveyed 1,850 consumers in five countries, including Germany, France, Italy, the United States and Canada.

Battle at the Pump: Fighting Fluctuating Gas Prices

Jen — Mon, 09 May 2011 20:39:27 +0000

According to the Energy Information Administration [EIA], total consumption of crude oil was projected to decrease by 3.3% in 2009. While this was good news for environmentalists, the sky-high price of gasoline is still a concern for many drivers. As a daily commuter, I am constantly trying to predict whether or not gas prices are going to rise or fall so that I only pump gas when the price is at its lowest. This fight is one which makes me wonder—especially with gas prices fluctuating so much this summer—what factors go into determining the price of a gallon of gas? According to the EIA, every time you pay for a gallon of gas, you are not only paying for the price of crude oil (61% of cost), but also federal and state taxes (15%), refining costs and profits (15%) and distribution and marketing (10%).

Why do Gas Prices Fluctuate?

Retail gasoline prices fluctuate mainly because of crude oil prices and the level of supply relative to demand. Because of the strong and increasing demand for gasoline in the U.S. and throughout the world, there is a limited supply which increases the price of gas. Seasonal Demand Prices usually rise slightly in the spring and peak in late summer when people drive more and then drop in the winter. According to the EIA, good weather and vacations cause U.S. summer gasoline demand to average about 5% higher than the rest of the year, causing gas prices to increase by 10-20 cents from January to the end of summer. Price of Crude Crude oil prices are determined by worldwide supply and demand which is why as countries around the world develop rapidly, the demand for and price of gas increases rapidly. Natural disasters and Political conflicts in major oil producing regions such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq can also affect the price of gas. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) also has significant influence over the price of crude oil because its members produce over 40% of the world’s supply of oil and own more than two-thirds of the world’s estimated oil reserves. Because OPEC members want to maximize their profits, it is often in their best interest to limit the production level as much as possible.

Why do Gas Prices vary by Region?

Proximity of Supply States further away from the Gulf Coast (where almost half of the gasoline in the U.S. is produced) tend to have higher oil prices because they are also paying for the cost of transporting the gas from the refinery. Because of this, gas is often higher on the West Coast and near the Rocky Mountain region. Competition Gas is often more expensive in areas with few retail gas stations or in areas with low traffic. Areas with a concentrated number of states may offer lower prices because they are competing with each other for customers. However, in many large cities such as Chicago, prices may increase as you get closer into the city because of higher taxes and other factors. State Regulations Some states, such as California, have additional regulations and charge extra taxes on top of the national tax and requirements. Some states also put restrictions on fuel transportation and storage. All of these factors increase the cost of producing and distributing gasoline. Retail Prices Some retailers also try to maximize their profits by raising prices during peak times. Some states have moved to regulate such practices.