Gas Buddy

Nobody likes overpaying for gas, but sometimes you just need to get to a pump pronto. Gas Buddy can help. This app for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices displays gas stations in your vicinity along with the gas prices offered by each station. The Gas Buddy app serves as the mobile version of the full-featured Gas Buddy website. A community of contributing users provides the information, which may mean you’ll get more accurate price data in bustling urban areas than you will in less-traveled rural locations.

FuelLog

FuelLog does more than simply monitor fuel consumption. This Android app does that, certainly, but it also gives you tons of information on your particular model’s fuel economy, maintenance and other operational costs, fuel volumes used and more. It presents this information in a clear, logical graphic interface. It even works for electric cars by displaying electricity usage per hour, and it can also track costs for multiple vehicles.

Car Locator

The free Car Locator app for Android devices can help you figure out whether you’ve simply forgot where you parked, or you’ve fallen prey to auto theft (which occurs every 44 seconds in this country, according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association). It gives you the option of a radar-like proximity visualization or a wallpaper displaying the distance to your vehicle, complete with a helpful arrow to point the way. Bear in mind, though, that you have to save your location to the app before leaving your car. You can also send the location data to someone else’s phone or email.

Trapster

If you frequently drive along unfamiliar stretches of road, you can easily get slapped with a speeding ticket in the most unlikely places. Trapster, a free app available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices, levels the playing field by alerting you when you are near a known enforcement camera, road hazard or speed trap. CNN describes it as a “cell phone social network” powered by crowdsourced reports from thousands of users who want to warn their fellow motorists when they need to slow down.

State Farm Pocket Agent

If you have auto insurance with State Farm, check out the State Farm Pocket Agent iPhone app. This software allows you to access your policy instantly, search for a State Farm agent near you, take accident witnesses’ contact information, create graphic reconstructions of an accident scene and other valuable tricks for dealing with a collision or other mishap. To learn more, visit the State Farm website.

greenMeter

Everyone wants to drive more efficiently. This app lets you know how much your driving habits are costing you and the environment. The greenMeter app gives real-time readouts from your style of driving, so you can see what you need to change to optimize your fuel economy. It will break down your energy usage and display your cost in dollars, oil consumption and CO₂ output.

AccuFuel

Speaking of fuel economy, keep track of what you are spending on gas with AccuFuel. You can use this app to record fuel consumption and cost on multiple vehicles. It will compile the data in a graph and give you instant feedback. This app also includes a resettable odometer.

Speedometer Speed Box

Ever wonder just how accurate your speedometer is? The Speedometer Speed Box for iPhone and iPod works as a compass, average-speed calculator and an altimeter. It gives a digital read out of your speed and average it out. You can compare with the accuracy of your car’s speedometer. This app will give you up to three hours of data and comes with customizable display options.

Waze

Everyone knows Google Maps, but Waze takes it a step further. This app gives you GPS directions enhanced by user-generated information such as speed traps, traffic, hazards and re-routing advice. It’s a navigational tool with community-based information. Thousands of drivers work together to make everyone’s commute a little easier.

Spotify

Last but not least, you need a reliable music source when you’re on the road. With a premium subscription, the Spotify app provides users with playlists and music suggestions based on their preferences. You can download your customized playlists to listen to in the car without worrying about cell coverage or waiting for a list to load. You can also follow friends and other users with similar music tastes and listen to their playlists.

The Yaris has been hailed in the past for its economical qualities and has won several awards. The Yaris has the Lowest Fuel Costs in its class according to IntelliChoice and is praised for being handy and versatile. The nippy little car has just been re-launched and the reviews for the new model seem promising. The Yaris has a roomy and versatile interior, the fuel economy is good and the five-star crash-test rating makes it a good choice for families.

Similar cars in the same class include the Kia Picanto. Similar to the Yaris, the Kia Picanto is a small car praised for its fuel economy. The city car is praised for having a quiet and characterful engine. The car has also just been re-launched and small car makers seem to be cashing in on the current market. First launched in 2004 the South Korean car has won several awards including awards for the design of the car.

The modern day car market is definitely on the move, with more small economical cars coming out all the time. The 21^st century consumer is more aware of fuel consumption and is more likely to ask either the car manufacturer or the seller of the car about fuel consumption.

The economical cars of today are designed to be swift, small and stylish. The lightweight nature of the car allows for the fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability. So when looking to save money when buying a car, make sure that you ask about fuel efficiency. Not only are the small cars cheaper, they are also less expensive in the long run, so in the end they will save you money. Join the nation and keep a look out for the small zippy cars that will save you money.

for car companies and enthusiasts. The following tips should assist in saving money, improving fuel economy, and alleviate the blow high gas prices may have on your bank account. These pointers are simply ways to improve your vehicle’s MPG, and if you execute them properly, you can really save on gasoline over the long term!

1. Drive Slowly

A great way to enhance fuel efficiency is by reducing speed and acceleration. As the speed of your vehicle increases, fuel economy decreases at an exponential rate. So basically, if you’re a perpetual violator of speeding regulations, you may just be doing yourself quite the disservice as well. Try obeying the posted limits, it will not take you too much longer, and you’ll be saving money in the long run.

2. Check for tire pressure

If your tires are simply under-inflated, you’ll find that your miles per gallon with surely suffer. Most tires will naturally lose air over time, and temperature changes cause deflation as well. But the problem is that under-inflated tires carry more rolling resistance, and thus require more gasoline to keep it in motion. Try purchasing a more reliable tire gauge and check tires at least once monthly, monitoring their status in the cold. Make sure to review the owner’s manual for further information about specific tire pressure data unique to your vehicle.

3. Check air filter

A dirty or outdated air filter can cause complications in regard to airflow into the engine, which does nothing but stifle fuel economy. But not to worry, these air filters are relatively easy to check and change out if necessary. Most of the time, it will require you to simply remove the filter and hold it up towards the sun, checking for light. If no light shines through, consider purchasing a new one. It is recommended that you select a permanent filter that can be cleaned as opposed to constantly changed; they will prove to be more liberating than disposable options and will be better for the environment as well.

4. Accelerate Responsibly

Quick starts and stops are quite a waste of fuel, but this doesn’t mean you need to spend minutes accelerating. When driving an automatic, accelerate at an even pace so that the transmission can shift up to higher gears. When operating a manual stick shift, shift early to keep revs down without lugging the engine. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for slowdowns on the road ahead, as accelerating just to brake quickly is certainly a waste of fuel you don’t need to be wasting.

5. Move With the Trucks

In traffic jams, you may notice eighteen-wheelers rolling where automatic transmission cars speed up and slow down to move from spot to spot. Well what these trucks are doing is not only easier on the transmission, but also on the fuel economy of any vehicle. A constant speed will keep shifting and fuel usage to minimum, causing more saved fuel, and less stop and go.

6. Roll Down the Windows

Often it will prove more efficient to simply shut down the air conditioner, open the windows and drive to the breeze. While it could be a tad warmer or windier depending on your speed, at the lower speeds it will safe you some fuel. When traveling at high speeds, the A/C may actually be efficient in preventing wind resistance from slowing down your vehicle due to open windows.

7. Moderate Your Ride’s “Pimping”

While a new set of wheels and tires may appeal to your desire for urban luxuries (and perhaps they contribute to an improved handling) they’re likely to create greater rolling resistance and will decrease fuel economy in the long run. If you upgrade to a new set of wheels and tires, hold on the older ones. When you embark on longer, more extensive drives; you’ll find stock wheels offer a smoother and more fuel-efficient experience.

8. Clean the Car

That’s right, even keeping your car clean can assist in saving money on gasoline. From time to time, go through your vehicle and decide what can be thrown out or even brought back into the house for alternative storage. Small things can add up to some serious weight in extra stuff, and the more heavy your load, the more fuel your vehicle will burn in the driving process.

9. Downsize

When shopping for a new vehicle, take into consideration how much you really need. Obviously smaller sized vehicles will prove more fuel efficient, and you’ll find that today’s smaller options are getting roomier than ever before. Subcompacts such as the Nissan Versa offer fantastic interior capacity that promoted the EPA to classify it as a mid-size vehicle. The understandable fear is that of crash protection, but automakers are designing compacts with this in mind, allowing these smaller cars to survive crashes with bigger ones with side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and more.

10. Drive When Necessary

While this may sound rather out there, like anything else: you save when you use on a “as-needed” basis. If you can avoid driving for trivial or unnecessary reasons, you’ll save quite a bit of money on gasoline. For instance, taking the train, carpooling, and the like can really save you cash on unnecessarily utilized fuel. In the summer, spring, or even autumn, biking or walking can be an alternative that satisfies your budget and your body. Just evaluate hownecessary vehicular application is in any situation, and you can find yourself saving a fortunate!

So there it is, if you truly dedicate yourself to using a few of these tips in conjunction with each other, you’re likely to reap the benefits and most of all, know how to survive the ever rising fuel costs and gasoline prices.

If you’re looking for a hybrid today, you’ll have quite a bit of brand and body style variety so select from, whether your preference lay in compact cars, trucks, or SUV’s. In response to several government mandates, these automakers are doing even more to develop hybrids with better consumer utility and drive.

Hybrid Sedans

When it comes to hybrid sedans, the Toyota Prius appears to be the best bet. It’s the most fuel efficient hybrid compact out there with 51 mpg city (48 mpg highway), equipped with new age technology and unprecedented interior capacity for a fuel-efficient sedan.

If price is your major concern, however, perhaps the Hondo Civic Hybrid is the best bet for you. It’s essentially a rehash of the Insight, but with four doors and a hatchback for under $20,000 and 41 mpg.

While it’s hardly gaining way on the famous “Prius,” it is certainly appealing to many ecological (and yet economically) concerned buyers.

Ford is making some hybrid magic themselves, with the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan—both adequate fuel-efficient hybrid solutions. It sports a spacious interior and comes standard with 39 mpg combined city/highway. Technology innovations have also been acclaimed, specifically Ford’s Sync, which is an easy to use and voice activated connectivity unit providing the consumer an easy user interface to access music, cell phone, or text communication.

Some of the most recurrent best sellers are the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima and both are still offered in hybrid, powered by the Toyota Synergy Drive system. They can seat up to five passengers and pass crash tests with flying colors. The financially practical option may very well by the Camry Hybrid, as it’s really not much more expensive than it’s gasoline powered counter-part. On the other hand, the Altima Hybrid is a sport model that can be a worth while drive, available exclusively in California, Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, New Jersey, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Lately, the luxury hybrid has collected a bit of luster as well. In particular, the brand new Lexus HS 250h is a commendable solution starting at $34,200. The hybrid vehicle offers all the bells and whistles associated with the Lexus and a 35 mpg. Also out of the Lexus factories is the GS 450h and V6/hybrid power train.

The vehicles are both more than effective in reaching convincingly high speeds in little time, but with such accelerative ease comes a decreased fuel economy (we’re talking the mid 20’s or lower,” so keep that in mind.

These aren’t the only luxury hybrids out there, perhaps the pinnacle of consumer luxury—the Mercedes-Benz—has joined the party with the addition of the S400 BlueHyrbid to its S-Class. The hybrid automobile is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an electronic motor. The S400 model sports a 299 horsepower and its average fuel consumption falls just shy of 30 mpg.

Hybrid SUVs

If you desire a lot of cargo space and interior capacity, the kinds of traits offered only by SUVs, but also want something fuel efficient—you might be able to have the best of both worlds. The solution lies in hybrid SUVs, which flaunt the benefits of an SUV without the disadvantageous wasting of gasoline.

Examples include the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. You’ll find remarkable fuel economy of–34 in the city, 31 on the highway—cementing them as a fantastic solution for a hybrid vehicle with more space and better looks.

Perhaps the greatest on the market of midsize hybrid SUVs would be the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, as it combines seven-passenger seating with a premium interior design, plenty of storage space, and a price tag at only $35,000. It’s fuel economy plays somewhere in the mid-20 range and it certainly gets the job done for families and travelers.

If you really want a higher quality hybrid you can up your standard and go for the Lexus RX 450h. Even though it only seats five people, the well designed vehicle provides for what may be the finest fuel economy of all midsize luxury SUVs.

Definitely worth taking note of is the Chevrolet Tahoe, or the similar GMC Yukon. The hybrid vehicle possesses city mileage rates 50% better than that of their standard gasoline powered counterparts. If you have no interest in the ability to tow and flex muscle, there may even be some regular-gas powered crossovers less expensive than hybrids, but with very similar fuel economy and internal capacity.

When it comes to hybrid SUVs, you got the king—the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. The famously luxurious model in full hybrid form working with an MSRP starting at $73,425 offers extravagant design and a superior driving experience. Their rear-wheel-drive models can get up to 20 mpg combined, making it a fine buy if you’ve got some money to spend.

Hybrid Trucks

Of course there are some hybrid trucks out there as well, including a solution pickup trucks with heavy frames and fuel wasting aerodynamic composition. Hybrid pickup trucks aim to remedy the conceptual disadvantages of pick up trucks with offerings like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid and the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid. Both sport 379 hp and are offered in rear- or all-wheel drive. They get a combined city/highway 21 mpg and both trucks can get up to 29mph without leaving electric mode. This can come in handy quite often, but as always, keep in mind how you plan on using them before purchase. As like a few hybrid SUVs we mentioned, the gas only versions offer similar capabilities at less cost, so whether or not to buy them depends on individual potential application.

Hybrid!

So the choice is yours, there are different types of hybrids, different brands, and different models. At the end of the day, the insurance and initial costs will be heavier than gasoline only models, but the fuel efficiency and perks may be enough to convince you of their merit. Either way you cut it—if a hybrid is right for you, research every model within your price range. Use our comprehensive guide to help, but only you can make the final decision and sign on the dotted line.