Stickering it to Global Warming

edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

Look for this idea to catch on in other states:  Beginning in 2009, every vehicle sold in California will be required to have a window sticker showing  the vehicle's global warming score.  The scores will rate smog and greenhouse gases on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 the highest and 0 the lowest. It looks like New York state may be next, putting a similar rule on its books by 2010.  Who's next?  ...  There are all sorts of devices and fuel tank additives out there that claim to improve fuel economy, but many of these higher-MPG schemes are just flat-out scams, according to  40mpg.org

Learn what your car's computer knows

But you can find a few good new wrinkles out there.   We came across an interesting piece of technology that uses your car's computer to show how your driving style affects fuel economy, thus allowing you to adjust certain habits to improve fuel efficiency.  "The (PLX) Kiwi is a small dashboard computer that plugs into your car's on board computer through the diagnostic port (called an OBDII/CAN port) which is typically located under the steering wheel. ... The Kiwi displays all the real-time information available from your car's computer, such as miles per gallon, speed and trip information. It can also tell you why that pesky check engine light has come on and turn it off for you if it turns out not to be a problem."   Gas 2.0  says the device should be available later this month  ...

So much for summer fun

According to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, gas has sold at or above $4 a gallon for the last 30 days.  And consumers have paid $3 a gallon or more at the pump for the last year.  We already know that Americans expect to pay $5 a gallon for gas by Labor Day.  So much for summer fun! ...

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer and a proud member of the Texas Automotive Writers Association. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.coffeeAtlas.com, and www.cocktailatlas.com