Comments for Fuelishness! Fuel Economy Blog http://blog.fuelclinic.com Doc Miles provide tips on fuel efficiency, gas mileage, and help improving your fuel economy to help fight high gas costs. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:47:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1 Comment on Plunging Oil Prices act as $350-Billion-Dollar Stimulus Package by Gregory http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/23/plunging-oil-prices-act-as-350-billion-dollar-stimulus-package/#comment-5295 Gregory Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:23:09 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/23/plunging-oil-prices-act-as-350-billion-dollar-stimulus-package/#comment-5295 The best part of this "stimulus package" is that it's not coming out of our pockets this time... The best part of this “stimulus package” is that it’s not coming out of our pockets this time…

]]> Comment on Has OPEC Lost Control? by Nick Zalewski http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/12/has-opec-lost-control/#comment-5205 Nick Zalewski Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:52:14 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/12/has-opec-lost-control/#comment-5205 It's funny how fuel has come down but the other consumer products that went up have not come down at all. Just shows you how greedy this world has become. It’s funny how fuel has come down but the other consumer products that went up have not come down at all. Just shows you how greedy this world has become.

]]> Comment on Has OPEC Lost Control? by Sherry http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/12/has-opec-lost-control/#comment-5078 Sherry Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:51:18 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/12/has-opec-lost-control/#comment-5078 This past year the high cost of fuel bankrupted us as a nation at large. Yet, not enough attention or credit has been given to this one single factor in our economy. Large portions of every budget was thrown away on fuel from the schools keeping their school busses on the road to police and fire departments. It was not planned nor expected but happen just the same. The trickle down/ripple effect is never ending.The cost of every other consumer product that budgets must cover were further sucked away from increased prices on consumer goods that have risen do to the higher production and shipping costs. WE need to invest some of these billions in stimulus pkgs (that did nothing for our economy) and bail out funds to initiate alternative energy projects. Create millions of badly needed now green collar jobs, create clean cheap energy, and get out from under our dependence on foreign oil. OPEC is planning to cut production to raise prices again. We can't take another year like the last. Jeff Wilson has a wonderful new book out called The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence Now. This book is so profound it needs to be a required read of every government official. We have to look at our problems in the long term. Tunnel vision and short term memory loss has contributed to our economy's downfall. This past year the high cost of fuel bankrupted us as a nation at large. Yet, not enough attention or credit has been given to this one single factor in our economy. Large portions of every budget was thrown away on fuel from the schools keeping their school busses on the road to police and fire departments. It was not planned nor expected but happen just the same. The trickle down/ripple effect is never ending.The cost of every other consumer product that budgets must cover were further sucked away from increased prices on consumer goods that have risen do to the higher production and shipping costs. WE need to invest some of these billions in stimulus pkgs (that did nothing for our economy) and bail out funds to initiate alternative energy projects. Create millions of badly needed now green collar jobs, create clean cheap energy, and get out from under our dependence on foreign oil. OPEC is planning to cut production to raise prices again. We can’t take another year like the last. Jeff Wilson has a wonderful new book out called The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence Now. This book is so profound it needs to be a required read of every government official. We have to look at our problems in the long term. Tunnel vision and short term memory loss has contributed to our economy’s downfall.

]]> Comment on “Keep Your Receipt” Reminder Magnet by Doc Miles http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/11/10/keep-your-receipt-reminder-magnet/#comment-5042 Doc Miles Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:09:15 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/11/10/keep-your-receipt-reminder-magnet/#comment-5042 I've created a simple CafePress store with one item - a prototype reminder sticker "kit"... I just ordered one to see if the quality is ok and that the words don't get their edges trimmed off or something like that... I'll update you after I get the first proof. http://www.cafepress.com/docmiles There are 4 smaller stickers in each "kit" - with the "Receipt Reminder" being roughly 3" by 1" in size. There are 3 receipt-reminders (probably enough for a sticker on each car in your household) - plus one larger sticker (3" x 2") that says "Fuel Miser On Board" - just something I thought up. Maybe we can have a contest for the best phrase. I’ve created a simple CafePress store with one item - a prototype reminder sticker “kit”… I just ordered one to see if the quality is ok and that the words don’t get their edges trimmed off or something like that… I’ll update you after I get the first proof.

http://www.cafepress.com/docmiles

There are 4 smaller stickers in each “kit” - with the “Receipt Reminder” being roughly 3″ by 1″ in size. There are 3 receipt-reminders (probably enough for a sticker on each car in your household) - plus one larger sticker (3″ x 2″) that says “Fuel Miser On Board” - just something I thought up. Maybe we can have a contest for the best phrase.

]]> Comment on “Keep Your Receipt” Reminder Magnet by Doc Miles http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/11/10/keep-your-receipt-reminder-magnet/#comment-5041 Doc Miles Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:30:16 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/11/10/keep-your-receipt-reminder-magnet/#comment-5041 Vinyl stickers would also be much cheaper to make... I've not considered them before - since they are kind of "permanent"... but you are right, they can be removed with a little effort. They have more of a "paint fading" problem - the magnets can be moved every few weeks to prevent an un-faded spot from forming where the magnet blocks the sun... And I think that a site like Cafepress can make weather-proof stickers (but not magnets) - and would make ordering them very easy for anyone. Let me look into this -- thanks for the great feedback and ideas. Vinyl stickers would also be much cheaper to make… I’ve not considered them before - since they are kind of “permanent”… but you are right, they can be removed with a little effort. They have more of a “paint fading” problem - the magnets can be moved every few weeks to prevent an un-faded spot from forming where the magnet blocks the sun… And I think that a site like Cafepress can make weather-proof stickers (but not magnets) - and would make ordering them very easy for anyone. Let me look into this — thanks for the great feedback and ideas.

]]> Comment on A Real Plan for Automakers and America by Doc Miles http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/08/take-action-today-a-real-plan-for-automakers-and-america/#comment-4939 Doc Miles Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:25:49 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/08/take-action-today-a-real-plan-for-automakers-and-america/#comment-4939 Scot - there is no connection between bio-fuels and starvation. Bio-fuel (specifically corn-based ethanol) production continues to climb, and food prices have continued to fall since 2008 Spring/Summer. There _is_ a connection between food prices and oil prices, as most food is transported and processed with tradtional fuels. There _is_ a connection between traditional agri-industry and a smear campain against competitive bio-fuel manufacturers. Bio-fuels unjustly got a bad rap earlier this year. I agree that we need to move to nuclear power should encourage electric vehicles for those who prefer them - but there is a HUGE up-front investment to get that to work. FLEX-FUEL costs $100 per new vehicle, and when there is a large enough market, filling stations will install the required tanks and pumps to sell to the new market. Scot - there is no connection between bio-fuels and starvation. Bio-fuel (specifically corn-based ethanol) production continues to climb, and food prices have continued to fall since 2008 Spring/Summer. There _is_ a connection between food prices and oil prices, as most food is transported and processed with tradtional fuels. There _is_ a connection between traditional agri-industry and a smear campain against competitive bio-fuel manufacturers. Bio-fuels unjustly got a bad rap earlier this year. I agree that we need to move to nuclear power should encourage electric vehicles for those who prefer them - but there is a HUGE up-front investment to get that to work. FLEX-FUEL costs $100 per new vehicle, and when there is a large enough market, filling stations will install the required tanks and pumps to sell to the new market.

]]> Comment on A Real Plan for Automakers and America by scot http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/08/take-action-today-a-real-plan-for-automakers-and-america/#comment-4938 scot Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:14:19 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/08/take-action-today-a-real-plan-for-automakers-and-america/#comment-4938 i think the results of moving over to Bio-fuel is well documented. Starvation in the world has increased significantly due to converting food production over to Bio-fuel production. All while not even putting a dent in the crude market. Brazil can run mainly on bio because they are small and have excess in sugarcane exports therefore they can afford to convert some to Bio-fuel. Bio-fuels are not a viable replacement of Crude. You say that it is affordable but you are mistaken. Bio-fuel is more expensive to produce at current crude prices and gets you less gas mileage. If you really want energy independence then you would be pushing for Nuclear power and electrical cars. Problem with electric cars is that the battery technology is too far behind to be practical, so lets spend money in battery technology instead of wasting it on bio-fuel. i think the results of moving over to Bio-fuel is well documented. Starvation in the world has increased significantly due to converting food production over to Bio-fuel production. All while not even putting a dent in the crude market. Brazil can run mainly on bio because they are small and have excess in sugarcane exports therefore they can afford to convert some to Bio-fuel. Bio-fuels are not a viable replacement of Crude. You say that it is affordable but you are mistaken. Bio-fuel is more expensive to produce at current crude prices and gets you less gas mileage.

If you really want energy independence then you would be pushing for Nuclear power and electrical cars. Problem with electric cars is that the battery technology is too far behind to be practical, so lets spend money in battery technology instead of wasting it on bio-fuel.

]]> Comment on “Keep Your Receipt” Reminder Magnet by heather http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/11/10/keep-your-receipt-reminder-magnet/#comment-4935 heather Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:57:48 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/11/10/keep-your-receipt-reminder-magnet/#comment-4935 Can't you make it a vinyl sticker instead of a magnet? I think it would make it just as visible and people wouldn't steal it off your vehicle either. The vinyl stickers are removable and wouldn't harm the vehicle. Can’t you make it a vinyl sticker instead of a magnet? I think it would make it just as visible and people wouldn’t steal it off your vehicle either. The vinyl stickers are removable and wouldn’t harm the vehicle.

]]> Comment on “Keep Your Receipt” Reminder Magnet by heather http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/11/10/keep-your-receipt-reminder-magnet/#comment-4934 heather Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:55:20 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/11/10/keep-your-receipt-reminder-magnet/#comment-4934 Hey, I dont know if I would put the magnet on my car but i would if the magnet was smaller Hey, I dont know if I would put the magnet on my car but i would if the magnet was smaller

]]> Comment on A Real Plan for Automakers and America by Doc Miles http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/08/take-action-today-a-real-plan-for-automakers-and-america/#comment-4905 Doc Miles Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:05:18 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/08/take-action-today-a-real-plan-for-automakers-and-america/#comment-4905 Here's a sample you can gleen from: Senator __________; Any bail-out for American auto-makers MUST include mandate for efficient FLEX-FUEL vehicles that can run on any mix of gasoline, ethanol, or methanol. Please refer for more information: http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/10/30/the-case-for-future-proof-flex-fuel-vehicles-ffvs/ This simple and cost-effective mandate is required to create an alternative fuels market in our country, enabling consumers to decide how to fuel their cars without expensive new equipment or infrastructure. Please make sure to only support this bailout if these requirements are included. Here’s a sample you can gleen from:

Senator __________;

Any bail-out for American auto-makers MUST include mandate for efficient FLEX-FUEL vehicles that can run on any mix of gasoline, ethanol, or methanol.

Please refer for more information: http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/10/30/the-case-for-future-proof-flex-fuel-vehicles-ffvs/

This simple and cost-effective mandate is required to create an alternative fuels market in our country, enabling consumers to decide how to fuel their cars without expensive new equipment or infrastructure.

Please make sure to only support this bailout if these requirements are included.

]]> Comment on A Real Plan for Automakers and America by Doc Miles http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/08/take-action-today-a-real-plan-for-automakers-and-america/#comment-4904 Doc Miles Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:45:53 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/12/08/take-action-today-a-real-plan-for-automakers-and-america/#comment-4904 THIS IS AN *UPDATE* WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RE: "Urgent Call to Action". To clarify the call to action, when calling your Senator's office, Please ask that "Senate Resolution 3303, the Open Fuel Standard Act, be passed along with any assistance to the auto-industry." They will need to push the Senate leaders Reid and McConnell. And here is an even better link to list of your Senator's office. http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?OrderBy=state&Sort=ASC If you cannot access this link, the main Senate switchboard is (202)-224-3121. To be clear, we are hoping that this separate proposed legislation (SR 3303), referenced above, is included as part of any assistance to the auto industry. And, if it does not get included, then we hope it passes as part of the many other energy and financial rescue packages being considered by Congress. (The House bill number is 6559 for those who wish to contact their Representative.) Here is the original email from earlier today which you could 'cut and paste' or forward to your Senator as well--phone calls are best to begin with. Now is the time to make a difference. Peter Forman THIS IS AN *UPDATE* WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RE: “Urgent Call to Action”.
To clarify the call to action, when calling your Senator’s office,
Please ask that “Senate Resolution 3303, the Open Fuel Standard Act, be passed along with any assistance to the auto-industry.” They will need to push the Senate leaders Reid and McConnell.

And here is an even better link to list of your Senator’s office.
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?OrderBy=state&Sort=ASC
If you cannot access this link, the main Senate switchboard is (202)-224-3121.

To be clear, we are hoping that this separate proposed legislation (SR 3303), referenced above, is included as part of any assistance to the auto industry.
And, if it does not get included, then we hope it passes as part of the many other energy and financial rescue packages being considered by Congress.

(The House bill number is 6559 for those who wish to contact their Representative.)

Here is the original email from earlier today which you could ‘cut and paste’ or forward to your Senator as well–phone calls are best to begin with.

Now is the time to make a difference.
Peter Forman

]]> Comment on Dude, Where’s My [Electric] Car!?!! by Robert http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/11/07/dude-wheres-my-electric-car/#comment-4830 Robert Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:28:12 +0000 http://blog.fuelclinic.com/2008/11/07/dude-wheres-my-electric-car/#comment-4830 Sandy says "Do you know what the range is on this all electric car?" To quote the article - insert: "will top 80mph and travel over 120 miles on a single charge" Take any fuel efficient Gasoline Powered car with a 5 Speed Tranny, and a DC Conversion, uses Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries at the amount of 3X gas fuel consumption = Kwh needed per 100 Km. Example - 5.5 L/100 Km X 3 = 16.5 kWh needed for 100 Km EV, so - 120 Miles = 200 Km = 33 kWh needed. (Not a Bad Range - since the car is not deisigned or optimised for Battery Storage or Placement) - see aticle on the new 500 eMini's for California from the Autoshow news - about the same range - but a 1-year lease right now - if you qualify =~ $850/Mo (Not Cheap, and no - most EV Conversions are not so cheap eather, and even less so if you use the good batteries coming out now, but - the range is better than if you use 6V Lead-Acid !) Sandy says “Do you know what the range is on this all electric car?”
To quote the article - insert:
“will top 80mph and travel over 120 miles on a single charge”

Take any fuel efficient Gasoline Powered car with a 5 Speed Tranny, and a DC Conversion, uses Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries at the amount of 3X gas fuel consumption = Kwh needed per 100 Km.
Example - 5.5 L/100 Km X 3 = 16.5 kWh needed for 100 Km EV, so - 120 Miles = 200 Km = 33 kWh needed. (Not a Bad Range - since the car is not deisigned or optimised for Battery Storage or Placement) - see aticle on the new 500 eMini’s for California from the Autoshow news - about the same range - but a 1-year lease right now - if you qualify =~ $850/Mo (Not Cheap, and no - most EV Conversions are not so cheap eather, and even less so if you use the good batteries coming out now, but - the range is better than if you use 6V Lead-Acid !)

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