US Economy Forecasts

Levi Quinn asked:


For decades new car buyers have complained that their fuel economy has not measured up to the EPA estimates on the window sticker. Since the EPA began providing mileage estimates in the 1970’s, it has been known that the testing methods were not reflective of real world driving conditions and are more effective in comparing mileage between different models than determining actual fuel economy.

Although changes have been made to this fuel economy estimating system several times since the 70’s, new tests and formula for determining mileage and, as well as new window stickers, will be phased in with the 2008 model year, and new testing procedures will be mandatory by 2011.

It is speculated that the estimated mileage appearing on window stickers will be reduced in most models, but that these figures will more closely match the real world mileage of the vehicle. For drivers practicing good driving habits and maintenance, they may be able to get fuel economy that is higher than estimated.

Current fuel mileage tests are done with vehicles on a treadmill-like device designed to simulate real driving. However, these tests are done in moderate temperatures without any accessories running, such as air conditioning. The highway test is far outdated, with the top speed only being 60 mph, and an average speed of 48 mph. The city driving test simulates 7.5 miles of driving at an average of 20 mph with 18 stops.

The new fuel economy testing procedures will take into account and replicate three common scenarios that can significantly lower fuel economy, such as hard acceleration, cold temperature operation, and the use of air conditioning. Although some of these tests are done currently, they are used to determine emissions figures, but the data is factored into mileage estimates. For the 2008 model year, the EPA is simply using a different formula in an attempt to make mileage estimates more accurate.

It is expected that the new estimation formula and new testing procedures will lower fuel economy ratings by 10-30% across the board. The vehicles whose mileage ratings will see the biggest reduction are likely to be ones that are adversely affected by heavy demand on the engine from hard acceleration, air conditioning, and cold temperatures, such as high mileage cars.

Many environmentalists are disappointed that hybrids are expected to be among the vehicles with the biggest drop in estimated mileage. Some say this may have a negative impact on the hybrid market, but every vehicle will have the same actual fuel economy. The only difference is a more realistic mileage estimate.

While some fear this will cause consumers to neglect hybrid cars, many analysts and industry insiders see the new formula and tests in a positive light. Dave Alexander, a senior analyst at ABI Research, said, “There is potential in the long run for better customer satisfaction.” This is because a car whose window sticker says 30 mpg will be able to produce that mileage at 70 mph with the air conditioning on, in real driving conditions, instead of at a top speed of 60 mph with no accessories in a climate controlled setting.

Instead of turning consumers away from hybrids, more accurate mileage estimates may allow consumers to purchase vehicles that are actually more fuel efficient instead of continuing to be dissatisfied with lower than expected mileage.

Scott Siegel asked:


Winter conditions put a tremendous strain on your car and on your driving. Winter also puts a strain on your fuel economy. In order to prevent a decrease in your fuel economy you need to be aware of some specific issues with regard to your car and your driving in the winter.

One of the two main characteristics of winter, cold temperatures, create conditions that lower your fuel economy. A car that is cold uses more fuel to start up than a warm car. The colder the car the more fuel it uses when it starts.

In cold weather, the engine of your car is harder to start. The oil in your car is thicker when it is cold and thus requires more energy to get it flowing. All the parts that are lubricated by this thicker oil require more energy to move them. More energy means that it will take more fuel to move the parts. Your engine will use more fuel to run until it warms up.

Cold temperatures also effect other parts of your car. The bearings, joints, transmission, power assisted brakes, and steering mechanisms will all require more energy to move them when they are cold. These mechanisms all depend on some fluids to operate. Like the engine oil these fluids will be thicker in cold weather and will require more energy to move them. Again that translates into more gas.

Other parts of your car will be stiff and may be frozen. Moisture in the air can condense and freeze on many car parts. Water from precipitation or from the road may have frozen on to part of the car. It will take more energy to move these parts. Wheel bearings, suspension systems and wheels themselves are some of the parts effected. The same applies, more energy needed to move these parts translates into more fuel burned and lower gas mileage.

Since your engine needs to overcome some temperature issues to lubricate itself in the cold you do need to give it a little longer to idle after starting than you would in the summer. But, I have to stress this, it only needs about 30 seconds of idling, no more. That little extra idling does affect your gas mileage.

Some things you can do to mitigate the affects of cold on gas mileage are: Park your car in a heated garage if available. Even a non heated garage may be warmer than leaving your car outside. It may be time to get rid of all the boxes in your garage and make room for your car.

Make sure you are using an oil that is recommended for your car in cold temperatures. The proper oil will flow better in cold weather thus reducing the amount of energy needed to start and run a cold engine.

In extreme cold climates an engine block heater will help keep the engine and oil warm thus avoiding a complete cold start. You will need a way to plug it in and keep it plugged in until you are ready to drive.

Don’t wast fuel warming your car when you start it. You only need about 30 seconds of idling to make sure the oil is flowing sufficiently in the engine. Excessive idling beyond 30 seconds will rob you of gas mileage faster than anything else. Let the car continue to warm up as you are driving.

Although winter and the cold temperatures that it brings can greatly reduce fuel economy you can minimize it’s affect. If you follow the simple steps outlined you can keep your gas mileage up at the level it should be.

Stephen Long asked:


ooking for ways to increase fuel economy? Who isn’t? There doesn’t appear to be any relief in sight for the skyrocketing gas and oil prices. So, we all continue to suffer every time we fill up at the gas pumps. With it constantly costing more and more money for less gas, it’s imperative that people begin to learn how to increase fuel economy. The following are a few simple steps that you can do to start getting better fuel economy and save on gas.

Start Driving the Speed Limit - Believe it or not, speeding may be costing you at the pump. If you want to increase fuel economy, you need to start driving the speed limit instead of driving your car like “grease lightning.” Every car has a different speed that it gets the best fuel mileage at, but you’ll find that most cars really start to lose fuel economy as you go beyond 60 mph when you’re driving. In fact, speeding can make quite a huge difference, costing you about $.30 more for each gallon for every 5 mph you go about 60. So, not only is it safer to drive the speed limit, but it can save you cash too.

Stay in the Highest Gear Possible - Staying in the highest gear possible can also help you to increase fuel economy. When you use the higher gears when driving, the engine speed of your car is not as high. This will help you to save on gas mileage and also helps to reduce the wear on your engine as well. So, whenever possible, make sure that you stay in overdrive and you’ll get better fuel economy.

Turn Off Your Car - When you stop to pick up your kids at school, turn off the car. Instead of going through the drive through, turn off your car and go in. Don’t idle at the store either, but turn off the car while you’re waiting on someone to come out. Yes, there is a recurring theme here - turn off your car. When you are idling, you lose gas mileage, especially if you have a car that has a big engine. So, instead of just letting your car idle, consider turning it off to help save on gas.

Do All Your Errands at Once - Doing all your errands at once can help you improve fuel economy as well. Instead of doing one errand and then going to do another one a few hours later, it’s better to plan out your trip so you can get all your errands done at once. When the engine of your car warms up, you’ll get better fuel economy. So, it’s better to run your errands when the car is warm rather to do them at different times when the car has to warm up all over again.

As you can see, there are numerous things that you can do to easily increase your fuel economy. Every little thing you do can really make a huge difference and can save you money. So, take the time to use these simple tips so you can start saving when you go to the pump.