Automobile Retailers

Throughout the last two weeks, we’ve been looking at ways that average automobile drivers can drive smarter and be more informed as to what’s going on in the world of car companies, gas prices, and environmental issues.

We opened our discussion by looking at what comprises the oil prices and examining who profits from the cost. Commodities investors factor heavily in how our gas prices are decided, as the rates of profit by which oil is being traded is certainly lining the pockets of North America’s most wealthy. This approach to wealth is part of what is creating such incredible gas prices.

We also took a look at the record oil profits for companies like ExxonMobil and Shell Oil. The top company execs have no desire to take a pay cut or to adjust their top line to help the average consumer, so this creates a sense of culpability as they experience record profits despite rising costs in crude. The oil companies culpability by not cutting personal profits and, in fact, by building immense personal profits based on volume, creates a sense of ill will between these corporate giants and the consumers. Consumers rightly point the finger at oil companies and, while they aren’t solely to blame, oil companies deserve our mistrust.

We then examined the peak oil theory and how it has impacted oil production throughout the United States for the past few years. Any good estimate would have demonstrated that America would have been in this position, as the oil production peaked within the borders of the country in the period between 1965 and 1970.

The market impact and the overall environmental impact of biofuels was then explored, as we learned that the food shortage impacts our fuel production and we need to be smarter about producing alternative sources of energy.

From that point of knowledge, we went forward with an examination of the rhetoric used by the “other side” in the conservation discussion and we learned some practical tips. Included in the practical tips was the idea to drive a smarter car, like the Toyota Scion or the Yaris. Drop by your Scion dealer today for more information on how the car you drive can make the world a better place.

I know everybody wants to save gas. Where I live, the prices are inching toward $5 a gallon. I’d do just about anything to save a few bucks on gas right about now, especially since I want to travel this summer. But if you’re like me, beware of some schemes and scams going around that prey on your desire to save gas.

One scam that I read about is an e-mail scam. The subject line of the e-mail reads, “Tired of getting ripped off at the gas pump?” Once you open the e-mail, the sender claims you can save up to 80 cents per gallon. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, my mom always told me, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” If there was really a way to save almost a dollar for each gallon of gas you buy, don’t you think it would be all over the news?

The only surefire way to save money on gas is to change your driving habits. Start driving slower. When you’re on the highway, try to go 55 mph instead of 75 or 80. Combine all of your errands into one day and make sure you route them strategically. Purchase a new fuel-efficient car from a local Pontiac dealer . Don’t carry any unnecessary weight around in your car. But don’t fall for any “snake oil” schemes that will only take more money out of your pocket. Be smart and you’ll come out ahead.