Although gas prices have appear to be stable, the economic climate still has many drivers fixated on fuel savings. In fact, the recent Cash for Clunkers program spurred the sales of fuel efficient vehicles, indicating an unwavering demand for fuel efficiency and high mileage cars. For those that aren’t planning on buying a new car to achieve more miles per gallon, here are a few tips you might want to consider to make the most out of a tank of gas.

Turn off the 4WD – For those that have a truck or SUV equipped with part-time four-wheel drive, ensure you have the system set to two-wheel drive unless you’re facing driving conditions with limited traction. Operating in four-wheel drive requires added fuel consumption, and Washington DC Chevrolet warns that it also adds wear and tear on your vehicle.

Check your tires – Ensuring your tires are inflated properly will help decrease rolling resistance says one used Dodge New York dealer and will help maximize miles per gallon. This will also reduce wear and tear on your tires. Check your vehicle’s owner manual or the driver-side door jamb to find the recommended tire pressure.

Forgo the expensive gas – Unless your vehicle’s owner’s manual specifies that your vehicle needs premium fuel, New York Mazda Parts recommends to avoid wasting your money! Premium fuel in an engine designed for regular gas can impair fuel economy and performance.

Ditch unnecessary weight – For many drivers, the trunk is an attractive place for storage. Unfortunately, items placed in the trunk that are left there day after day add to the vehicle’s weight.  For every 100 pounds added to your vehicle’s weight, you lose about two percent off your vehicle’s MPG rating.

Alter your driving habits – Avoid frequent stops whenever possible and accelerate easily. Stopping and accelerating is responsible for much of your fuel consumption according to Nissan Service Boston, but keeping your vehicle’s momentum and staying steady on the throttle can help improve fuel economy.

Splurge on synthetic oil – Although synthetic oil is more costly than conventional oil, it can easily reduce wear and tear on your engine’s parts. Reduces wear and year means than your engine is well lubricated and will last longer, and it will ultimately improve mileage as well.

Roll ‘em up – Aerodynamics play a significant role in fuel efficiency. Fuel efficient vehicles such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight have unique designs that reduce drag, which there by reduces fuel consumption. Plus, at highway speed, using the air conditioning rather than the windows is actually better for efficiency.

Remove unnecessary roof racks – Unless you regularly use your roof rack to transport your gear, specialists at Nissan Parts Massachusetts admit that it may actually be hurting your fuel economy. Just like rolled down windows, roof racks create wind resistance and reduce fuel economy at higher speeds.

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A car can easily say plenty about who you are as a person. A Honda may exude practicality, while a Bentley may exude success. But a new study may suggest that your car is saying something that you weren’t even aware of.

A San Diego market research firm Strategic Vision will soon be releasing their latest study called the New Vehicle Experience Study, and it has already revealed insights into the types of people and personalities buying new cars. For example, the study revealed that 13 percent of Chevrolet owners do not use the Internet. That’s a big percentage compared with the 3 percent of Honda buyers that don’t use the Web. In addition to  Internet usage, 70 percent of Honda owners have a college degree, while only 35 percent of Chevrolet owners or 45 percent of Ford owners hold a college degree.

The new study won’t be available until next spring, to the dismay of interested shoppers at Pohanka Lexus. Computer experience and education level where just two areas that the study will be addressing. Used Cars Minneapolis looks forward to the results as the demographic data was compiled on 10 major automotive brands. The data was derived from manufactures themselves and from other sources. The study also looks age, gender, income level, and marital status to name a few factors examined.

Although it does deliver some insights, the study is not without flaws. One Boston Nissan dealer says to consider the cute Mini Cooper. A car with such a broad appeal doesn’t just cater to a specific demographic. For instance, those considering a Mini Cooper may be enthusiasts drawn to its British racing heritage, and others may just like the car’s fuel efficiency, while others still may just crave to be a part of the small cult following that the Mini brand has successfully cultivated.

It will be interesting to see if and how automakers will utilize the data suggests Saint Louis Hyundai. Studies such as this one help to guide the decisions of automakers, which is precisely what has prompted Honda to increasingly invest in online media in order to reach they Web-centric target buyer. But all too often there are pitfalls when relying on such as data as well, particularly if the product itself is something that no one would want to drive. 

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Read full coverage of automotive studies here.

Buying a car online will soon be a mainstream endeavor. Or at least, that’s what automakers like General Motors are hoping. Just this week, GM launched a new portal in conjunction with eBay Motors to give California-based GM dealers the chance to extent their showrooms online, and give car buyers more flexibility than ever before.

The new program includes over 225 dealerships that will include cars and trucks from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Pontiac brands. Car buyers that visit gm.ebay.com will not only be able to view dealer inventories, but the Orlando Corvette Center points out that they will be able to compare prices from multiple local dealerships and negotiate the best price possible.

Not only does the new promotion allow car buyers to get the lowest price possible on a new GM car or truck, but the consumer can do their shopping and negotiation without the pressure of physically going to the dealership, which a dealer specializing in used cars st louis expects will appease plenty of car buyers. Unfortunately, the actual purchase requires that buyers venture down to the dealership to seal the deal. The car can also be shipped if the dealership is out of the way, but it will be done at the buyer’s expense.

Although buyers will still have to make it to the dealership to close the deal, it still provides significant freedom and flexibility that GM hopes will spur new car sales. There are plenty of consumers that remain apprehensive about haggling over the price of a car in person, and Trenton Used Cars sees this program as a good way to help alleviate that anxiety.

With consumers becoming increasingly Web-savvy, it should only be expected that more innovative online car buying programs will soon be launched. And when consumers are empowered with information and choices, they will likely flock to these new car buying channels.

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As always read the latest in online car buying trends.

These days all automakers seem to be embracing new technology when it comes to product marketing and communication with customers. Some get it, while others are still fumbling around.

Ford is an example of an automaker wisely applying technology for marketing online. Realizing the importance of social media, Ford has become an active participant on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, and other social media avenues to promote the company, its values, and of course its products. For the upcoming 2011 Ford Fiesta, the automaker has launched the Fiesta Movement, giving average consumers the ability to live with the Fiesta and provide their uncensored opinions and feedback via video and various social media properties. The program has helped spur interest at numerous Ford dealerships across the country, and has provided inspiration for one dealer specializing in Arlington used cars and other dealers as they dive more heavily into social media marketing.

While all automakers these days seem to be happily embracing new technology, some have not been quite as successful as Ford. Recently, Land Rover jumped on the iPhone Application bandwagon with their app called the Land Rover Navigator. This app provides basic navigation, but rather than telling drivers how to get their destination, it draws a straight line, naturally because any Land Rover driver will be able to effortlessly traverse any terrain or obstacle (right?). The app also provides information on Land Rover models.

The Land Rover Navigator app is a noble effort to dive into the buzzwothy and lucrative arena of mobile phone applications. Unfortunately, Land Rover has a bit more work ahead as its first iPhone app sadly does not provide value for potential Land Rover buyers or existing customers. That being said, a Denver used Land Rover center believes it is nonetheless a step in the right direction as the automaker attempts to make a name for itself online.

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Stay current with unique automotive advertising on Auto in the Know.

When Honda launched its all-new 2010 Insight hybrid, most sources expected it to be a successful product for one of the leading hybrid vehicle manufacturers. Already it has earned the coveted title of ‘America’s most affordable hybrid’ and is the only standalone Honda model that isn’t available as a gas-only model.

Despite what will likely be a promising model, the Honda Insight has not found favorable feedback from Consumer Reports. In a recent tests, Consumer Reports failed to give the Insight a thumbs-up, as the testers were disappointed by the car’s ride quality, handling, cabin noise, and performance.  Reviews are important, according to Dick Hannah Honda. Out of 22 total hatchbacks and compact wagons reviewed, the Insight scored near the bottom in 21st place just above the Dodge Caliber. Toyota Los Angeles expects that such a report will likely make consumers question whether they’re getting their money’s worth with the latest Insight.

Outside of Consumer Reports’ recent test of the vehicle, the feedback concerning the Honda Insight has been fairly positive points out Connecticut Used Honda. But as the most affordable hybrid available, Honda Service Elizabethtown suggests it’s reasonable to assume that the Insight is probably not the most luxurious or performance-oriented vehicle a person can buy.

While there have been plenty of positive statements made about the Insight, the review from Consumer Reports indicates that the Honda Insight has plenty of work ahead. Its main competition, the Toyota Prius, is the segment leader and remains the highest selling hybrid to date. It also doesn’t help that the Prius remains a much higher rated vehicle by Consumer Reports. And, if sales trends at Waldorf Ford are any indication, it seems that the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is also finding plenty of praise among those shopping for a hybrid vehicle.

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Find the latest automotive comparisons here at Auto in the Know.

There has been rumors revolving around General Motors and Toyota’s hybrid technology for weeks now, and it seems that the rumors are not going away. While initial reports suggested that GM intended to license Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, new reports are suggesting that the automaker may offer a GM-branded version of the Toyota Prius hybrid.

While offering the wildly successful Toyota Prius in their lineup doesn’t seem too ridiculous, the rumors don’t quite make sense according to one Michigan Chevrolet dealer considering that GM has invested heavily in its own proprietary hybrid vehicles and products. The most notable of GM’s upcoming eco-friendly vehicles is of course the Chevrolet Volt.

Interestingly, the new rumors suggesting the possibility of a GM Prius have come around the same time that GM will be leaving the NUMMI partnership, which is its joint manufacturing venture with Toyota. Since the NUMMI partnership no long will be providing the Pontiac Vibe, customers at Used Cars Peoria suggest that perhaps the re-badged Prius was part of the agreement reached following GM’s withdrawal.

With high demand for the third generation Prius, Albany Toyota also points out that Toyota is working through production constraints in order to better satisfy demand. With the NUMMI plant in question, it may become the ideal location to build the popular hybrid vehicle.

A GM-branded Prius may help fill the gap between GM’s existing hybrids and the upcoming Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. It’s expected that the Volt may be priced a bit higher than that of the Prius, which would make more sense for GM to offer the hybrid within its lineup. With demand for the latest Prius unwavering, stay tuned to see if any of these rumors come to fruition.

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While it wasn’t the first hybrid car available to the masses, the Toyota Prius quickly became the the most successful hybrid car worldwide. On the heels of unparalleled sales success, Toyota is rolling out the much anticipated, all-new 2010 Prius at dealers nationwide. However, with 180,000 orders for the hybrid in Japan already, success seems to be putting a strain on Toyota.

The initial sales target for the 2010 Toyota Prius in Japan was for 10,000 units per month. With orders far surpassing the monthly target, Minneapolis Used Cars suggests that Toyota is faced with supply challenges as a similarly high demand is also faced here in the U.S.

Last month, the Toyota Prius became the highest selling vehicle in Japan. This was good news for Toyota considering Honda’s latest hybrid, the Insight, had previously been in the top sales spot for the month of April. With competition in the hybrid car segment heating up, the demand for the third generation Prius remains impressive according to Akron Toyota. Even as the Honda Insight is officially the most affordable hybrid in the U.S., Toyota Service Tustin says the latest Prius remains the epitome of fuel efficiency and eco-friendly technology.

Toyota has become the world’s largest automaker, but it has seen plenty of challenges thanks to the credit crunch and sluggish economy. The automaker has even faced its worst losses ever this past fiscal year. Despite healthy demand for the latest Prius hybrid, Toyota’s financial woes are attributed to falling demand of other models in the automaker’s lineup. With sales still down, and production of the Prius becoming strained, Car Smart Auto Sales says that Toyota may have to alter the worldwide distribution of the vehicle to satisfy a seemingly insatiable global demand.

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Find more automotive news right here at Auto in the Know.

We’ve discussed the exciting world of automotive technology before, such as satellite navigation, but we haven’t touched on personal consumer electronics much. While navigation systems are finding their way into more vehicles, so too are smart phones in the hands of drivers.

Just this week, Apple released the all-new iPhone. This gadget is popular for a plenty of reasons, including it bustling app store, simple touch screen user interface, and mobile access to the popular iTunes music store. But thanks to new features and applications, Used Cars Connecticut says the new Apple iPhone is easily one of the best consumer electronics products for the open road.

One of the best features of the new iPhone believes Kansas City used car loans specialists is that it now has a GPS navigation application from TomTom. TomTom, the makers of stellar GPS devices and apps, provides turn-by-turn directions for iPhone users. A new cradle for the car will also become available soon, turning the iPhone into an instant in-car GPS device.

Robust voice recognition and commands is also another helpful feature for drivers. Being able to dial a friend’s phone number, search for destinations, and find that perfect song, will soon be done without having to take your hands of the steering wheel, which one used car dealer Salinas expects will dramatically increase safety.

Another important app that will likely be used by plenty of drivers is the Zipcar app. Zipcar is a fast growing company that allows drivers to share cars, providing an attractive alternative to car ownership and car rentals. The Zipcar app will enable driver to find the nearest Zipcar location and even reserve a car of your own. Connecticut Honda Service see smart phones such as the iPhone opening new avenues for customer service and communcation, and expect to see more robust automotive-centered apps and devices in the near furture.

With these new applications and functions, not to mention the iPhone’s wide range of other unique features, drivers will likely find the latest gadget from Apple even more useful.

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Get aquainted with more automotive technology at Auto in the Know.

Times are certainly changing for U.S. automakers, and consumers are already reaping the benefits in the form of outstanding incentives and low prices. But another benefit to come to consumers is in the form of more miles per gallon, as the U.S. Transportation Department is mandating its first fuel efficiency increase in decades.

The current administration will expect 2011 model year vehicles to achieve a fleetwide average of 27.3 miles per along, which is the equivalent to 8 percent more than the 25.3 mpg requirement for 2010. Although it may seem like a modest increase, the move will no doubt pose engineering challenges that in many ways are expected to fuel a complete reinvention of the automobile.

Fuel efficiency standards have remained an important goal in the Obama administration. As the government prepares additional aid to the struggling Detroit automakers, it seems appropriate that additional regulations are already becoming imposed by lawmakers.

The aid is widely expected to be approved. In addition to the engineering challenges associating with producing more fuel efficient vehicles, both Long Beach BMW and GMC Washington DC point out that automakers also have to contend with a wide range of problems, including cutting costs and strengthening sales. Already production cuts have been widespread, along with ample layoffs. Oklahoma City auto dealers warn that combining tough new regulations with reduced new car demand could put automakers in a more dire position, unless vital federal aid is approved.

Although stricter restriction could cost automakers billions, consumers shopping at Carson Honda dealers say it’s the price they may have to pay for government support. Already General Motors and Chrysler have received $17.4 billion, with many more billions currently being considered.

For consumers the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations mean less time at the pump. This also means the U.S. will save an estimated 887 million gallons of fuel and cut 8.3 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions which appeases environmentally conscious shoppers among Manchester CT Nissan.

Despite the backlash from automakers, environmentalists say the new regulations don’t go as far as the 2011 regulations that had originally been proposed in 2008. Still, Denver Lincoln dealers believe the move is the adequate response to curb emissions in such a way that won’t force automakers into bankruptcy.

The increase marks the first time just standards have being mandated since the creation of the CAFE program in 1975, which was responsible for increasing fuel efficiency from 13 miles per gallon to 27.5 mpg. With the administration’s goal of delivering cleaner and safer cars to consumers as soon as possible, the regulation may not be popular with some automakers, but in the long run San Francisco Honda dealers and consumers alike believe the benefits will be huge.

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Keep track of automotive industry news here at Auto in the Know.

While Toyota’s Prius has continued to be a tremendous seller in the U.S. and across the globe, Toyota continues to struggle to retain its title as the world’s largest automaker in terms of overall sales. Not only are auto sales down across the board, but new hybrid offerings, particularly the cheaper Honda Insight, are expected to give Toyota a run for the money.

Already available in Japan, both the third-generation Toyota Prius and the all-new Honda Insight have seen staggering demand says New York Honda dealers. Demand is so high in fact, that Honda can barely keep up with demand at its Suzuka Insight production facility in Japan.

Despite the current hardships for automakers in the current economic environment, both the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight are expected to be sales dynamos. San Diego Prius dealers have already seen overwhelming inquiries for the third-generation Prius, while the second generation have been completely sold out. While the Prius is synonymous with efficiency and hybrid technology, and remains the strongest selling hybrid in the world, the all-new Insight from Honda is officially the least expensive hybrid vehicle in America and it’s now opening up a price war between hybrids – something the segment desperately needed believes one Missouri Honda dealer.

In Japan, Toyota is battling the cost advantage of the Insight by offering the current Prius to consumers alongside the new third-generation model. That being said, the 2010 Prius still provides advantages over the Insight, including more power, greater efficiency, and more standard features, all of which means that plenty of consumers will no doubt be torn between the two models.

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All-new fuel effienct hybrids will be compared soon. Stay tuned.