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As we watch gasoline prices rising at the pumps
from a recent low of 63¢/litre to currently 75¢/litre
and possibly $1.00/litre by this summer we wonder, is there
anything we can do about it? Stop driving and wait for
prices to come down? Well, for almost everyone, that's not
an alternative. Today, we are so dependent on our
"iron steeds" that we cannot function without them.
While our gas prices are not as high as in Europe where they can
reach the equivalent of $2.00 Canadian per litre, we can
probably take a few lessons from their vehicle maintenance
programs. Keeping your engine well tuned, oil changed
regularly, tires correctly inflated to manufacturer's
recommendations, suspensions in proper alignment, to even
keeping your vehicle washed and waxed for less wind resistance.
I know this may sound a little far-fetched, but every little bit
helps.
Fuel here is still cheap until you put it in context & this
statement may make you cringe, but we still see people
driving around with fuel and other fluids leaking from
under their vehicles and are not concerned enough to fix them.
So do I conclude that money spent in replenishing fluids (gas ,
oil , anti-freeze etc) is not of great concern?
Likewise as many of us leave all the lights on in our homes and
work places... are we trying to heat the buildings with
electrical energy or are we just complacent ? We don't
realize how cheap electrical energy is in North America, in
Europe, people are more conscious because electrical energy
costs are much higher.
A large portion of
every litre of fuel purchased is tax which goes for road
building and maintenance, or to the "never-never land"
of "government general funding" never to be seen
again. We also see many large inefficient vehicles
used as "daily commuters" with only one person in
them, where "car pooling" might be a more cost
effective method of conserving energy & dollars. Maybe the
government is going to raise gas taxes to force us to buy more
economical vehicles which burn less fuel, which in turn emit
less pollution into the atmosphere, so by doing this we will
preserve the ozone layer further.
Back to reducing vehicle operation
costs, regular maintenance does save you money in the long run
and helps your car to run cleaner and more efficiently as a
result. Also, your vehicle lasts longer and doesn't
depreciate as quickly, and would you not rather spend your money
wisely on vehicle maintenance than give it to the
government and the giant gas companies?
So if you can't remember when your
car's ignition and fuel system has been serviced, oil changed,
tires pressures checked, tires replaced and steering aligned,
transmission serviced and maybe even an exterior wash and wax,
call your local garage we may be able to help you save some
money.
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