ain’t fuelin’

Can a Heated Hoodie Improve Winter Fuel Economy?

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When the cold weather hits, fuel economy inevitably takes a dive. Lower temperatures impact gas mileage in a number of ways, including winter gasoline blends, lower intake air temperatures, longer engine warm-up times (to reach optimum efficiency), increased air conditioner use (with defrosters), and idling. Keeping your car in a garage will help decrease warm-up time, as can an engine block heater. A grill blocker can help keep under hood temperatures up while you’re driving in the coldest weather. But the biggest trick is keeping the driver warm while reducing the amount of idling at start-up and throughout the day.

I’m testing a Milwaukee Tools M12 heated hoodie this winter, to see if I can reduce idling. I’ve posted the first part of a two-part video review:

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How to Save Money on Car Parts and Supplies

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I’ve spent a whole lot of money on car parts and supplies over the years, and I’ve learned (the hard way) how to control costs. While the game was built to extract profit from the unwitting, the Internet leveled the playing field. A little knowledge goes a long way. If you do just a little bit of homework before you head out to the store, you’ll get a better deal and keep more cash in your pocket.

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What’s the Best Cheap Used Car with Great Gas Mileage?

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We’ve all been there. You have basic transportation needs and a budget tighter than a screw cap on a cheap bottle of wine. An inexpensive used car can help you meet your needs without resorting to taking out a high-interest loan. Knowing which car to buy is key, but the answer is too often locked away. We’re here to cut through the bombardment of advertisements and get right to the facts. When you buy the right cheap used car it will set you free. Buy the wrong one and you’ll enter a new world of pain.

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Testing Ethanol Free Gasoline

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I’ve been waiting to test Ethanol Free Gasoline (E0) for eons, but I could never find a local service station that carries it. Blame it on the lawmakers. As it turns out, New Jersey state law stipulates that all of the gas sold here must contain ten percent ethanol. Thankfully, ethanol-free gas is sold on the other side of the Delaware River, fifty odd miles from home. I took Slambo for a ride today, to fill up with E0 for the first time. I intend to test it over a number of tanks.

Ethanol Free Gas Pump in Pennsylvania

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Unlock the Mystery of Check Engine Light Codes

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It happens when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Or in the middle of the city. A warning light flashes on your dashboard, urging you to CHECK ENGINE. It immediately strikes fear in the heart, a fear of the unknown. A sense of panic sets in. Your significant other is rattled, “what’s wrong with the car now,” they ask with trepidation. You feel an impulsive need to drive immediately to a dealership to find out what’s wrong. The seed has been planted: it’s a money tree and you’re about to fertilize it with your bank account.

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