Fuel Saving Tips

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Introduction

We're used to our freedom. Let's face it: we Americans are used to getting out and about without worrying too much about how much it costs to do so. Ever since the fuel crisis days of the seventies, in fact, gasoline has been an expense we haven't had to think about, let alone something that has forced us to change our driving habits just to save a buck or two. Those days are sure over.

And that buck or two? Today, with gas prices settling in at more than $3 a gallon, it adds up to a fairly significant difference. It's simple: How we drive and how well we care for our vehicles can improve our fuel efficiency, which directly saves us money at the local gas station. Call it conservation on wheels -- or just smart motoring -- but the payoff by adhering to these simple tenets is like getting the gasoline equivalent of a good driver discount from your insurance company. Sure, you should drive that way anyway, but it's nice when you get to save a little cash for doing it anyway:

• Use the Right Octane
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• Properly Inflate Tires
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• Maintain Your Ride
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• Slow Down!
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• Go Cruisin'
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• Drive Light
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• Ease Up on the A/C
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• Close Your Windows
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• Leave the Tailgate Up
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• Avoid Idling
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  Check out the links to your left for advice about how to save gas by following these ten tips, and why it matters. In addition, keep in mind a few other smart driving techniques, such as avoiding gridlock and planning errands. It's all about using less fuel to get to where you want to go, whether it's work, errands or a nice long summer vacation.

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Hybrid Car Tax Credit

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 replaced the clean-fuel burning deduction with a tax credit. A tax credit is subtracted directly from the total amount of federal tax owed, thus reducing or even eliminating the taxpayer’s tax obligation. The tax credit for hybrid vehicles applies to vehicles purchased or placed in service on or after January 1, 2006. The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a new, qualifying vehicle. If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit.

Hybrid vehicles have drive trains powered by both an internal combustion engine and a rechargeable battery. Many currently available hybrid vehicles may qualify for the tax credit. This reflects a decrease in the credit amount as of Oct. 1, 2006, due to the manufacturers meeting quarterly sales of 60,000 qualified hybrid cars — See Quarterly Sales, below. This credit amount does not phase out. The full amount of the altenative fuel vehicle credit would be available for vehicles purchased on or before December 31, 2010.

Quarterly Sales

Consumers seeking the credit may want to buy early since the full credit is only available for a limited time. Taxpayers may claim the full amount of the allowable credit up to the end of the first calendar quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer records its sale of the 60,000th hybrid passenger automobile or light truck or advance lean burn technology motor vehicle. For the second and third calendar quarters after the quarter in which the 60,000th vehicle is sold, taxpayers may claim 50 percent of the credit. For the fourth and fifth calendar quarters, taxpayers may claim 25 percent of the credit. No credit is allowed after the fifth quarter.