Believe or not, but there is a miracle afoot in Raleigh, NC. When traveling to work everyday, I pass the same gas station and over the past week alone I have witnessed a ten-cent drop in the price of gas per gallon. Imagine my surprise when I had passed by this station last week and had noticed a one-cent change in price. I immediately thought to myself, “wow, maybe things are about to change.” Well amazingly enough, my thought process was right. I watched that gas price drop a few more cents every single day and I truly thought I was witnessing a miracle.

Now, whether or not the drop in gas prices truly fits the definition of a miracle is not my call to make, but after the past few months of a struggling economy and exorbitantly high gas prices, this new change sure brings hope that a miracle isn’t too far off. So why the sudden change? According to a recent article, the change is gas price is due to a drop in crude oil price over the past two weeks. With oil being cheaper to buy, gas stations are now able to sell gas to us for a cheaper price, hence the reduction in price. However, the change may have come just a little too late. Because gas prices have been so high for so long, many drivers have looked for alternative ways to get themselves around. In May of this year, Americans drove 9.6 billion fewer miles than the same time last year, as reported by the Federal Highway Administration. This is because a large number of people have flocked to using mass transportation services such as metros, trains and buses. Also, in hopes of creating a green environment, many people have begun to bike and walk to places causing them to ditch their cars and reduce the number of miles that they drive.

So maybe the recent decline in gas prices really won’t have that much of an effect on people, seeing as though many have taken matters into their own hands. But for those who can’t use these options either because of their geographical location or because they live too far away, the change in gas prices currently may just be the miracle that a number of people need.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Auto News, General Auto, travel by Ashley - No Comments »

Over the past few days I have witnessed a seven-cent drop in gas prices in Raleigh, NC and as encouraging as that is for the future of the economy, $3.93 per gallon is still quite a hefty price to be paying for filling a tank of gas. This is where the X Prize factors in. What better way to motivate people to conceptualize a better fuel-efficient car than by dangling a 10$ million dollar prize in front of them?

According to a recent article, more than 60 teams from all over the world have come to try their luck in the Progressive Automotive X Prize Competition, which challenges competitors to create an entirely new, original, and functional green supercar that smashes previous records for fuel efficiency. The goal, according to Peter Diamnadis, chief executive of the foundation is to create a car that is able to get at least 100 miles to the gallon and can actually be brought to the consumer market. So how will the functionality of these newly designed cars be measured you ask? Well in late 2009, the qualifiers will embark on a stage race across the United States, which will test how well the vehicles perform in the areas of speed, and how far they can travel. Competitors will also be judged on how well their cars hold up in certain traffic and weather/road conditions.

The ingenuity behind this project truly is fascinating, and according to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, it’s also necessary.

“We desperately need cars that are clean and efficient and safe and attractive to everyday buyers.”

And he’s absolutely right. Judging from the instability of the fuel economy at the moment, the X Prize competition came at the perfect time and may just be the answer to all of our prayers in regards to high gas pricing woes. For the winner, designing a highly fuel-efficient car will be an amazing accomplishment, but let’s not beat around the bush; taking home that 10$ million dollar check won’t too bad either. For these car enthusiast competitors however, it’s all in a day’s work.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Auto News, General Auto, events by Ashley - No Comments »

Have you ever wondered why there are different types of gas available at the pump? Apparently it’s because different types of cars require a higher quality of gas in order to function at their highest ability, which was unbeknownst to me. Take the example of my friend and her Volkswagen Passat. She is required by the manufacturer to use premium fuel to fill up the gas tank in order to ensure maximum performance. But in today’s struggling economy with premium gas prices in the Raleigh, NC area ranging anywhere from $4.11 to $4.30 it is getting more and more difficult for her to fill her tank. This got me to thinking: Can consumers get away with filling their premium cars with regular unleaded gas?

According to a recent article that answer can only be found in the owner’s manual of the car. For every vehicle the owner’s manual will provide three basic provisos for gasoline usage: only regular gas is required, premium gas is recommended, or premium gas is required. Deciding which option is best is completely up to the driver, however if the owner deviates from the third option in order to save on gas price, they are posing danger to their vehicle’s performance, which may end up costing more in the end. So what exactly are the benefits of that more expensive fuel option? The word “premium” may mislead people into believe that this type of fuel is of a higher quality than regular but that is not true. Premium doesn’t mean better quality, but instead refers to a higher octane, which is the rate at which a fuel burns. So although using a higher-grade gasoline may give you better engine performance, it doesn’t guarantee that the car will get better mileage.

According to experts, the battle between regular and premium isn’t what is important. Far more important is actually the type of gas you put in your car. By using a major brand that includes a special detergent such as Chevron’s Techron, you are essentially protecting your vehicle from harmful and performance hindering dirt build-ups, thus increasing the length of life for your car.

So whether you choose to fill your tank with the “creme brule” of gas, or you decide to save some money and go with the popular and regular “Jell-O” brand is completely up to you. Just be sure to make sure your car likes it first.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Auto News, General Auto by Ashley - 1 Comment »

The advancements in technology never cease to amaze me. I was looking over my friend’s new Nissan Altima and although everything about the car was beautiful, while being given the tour I could not hear that familiar tone coming from a cluster of jingling keys. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the car was operated not by keys, but by a remote control. The doors had keyless entries and the engine actually had a button to start it. This got me to wondering how much control do we as drivers still have over our cars?

Take for instance the new Lexus, which was built with a park assist system that gives assistance to people while they are parallel parking. Although it is not completely effortless as the driver still needs to have his or her foot on the break to control the speed at which the car backs up, the rest of the work is actually done by the car. Another example is those rear cameras that are located in a number of cars to help the driver see behind them. Whatever happened to a person just turning around and looking over their shoulder? Maybe the car manufacturers need to keep up with the times and the impressive advancements that are made every day in the area of technology but it makes me wonder whether we as drivers are losing our power and control over our automobiles. Again, this question brings me back to my friend’s car. Her Altima did not come with any keys, but instead came with a remote control that controls the locks, and the trunk. Now I’m sure they gave her a second remote, but what happens if she locks the remote inside of the car? By removing control from our hands we are surrendering to the power of technology and placing the control and the safety of our lives in the hands of something that is completely unknown.

Now I don’t know about you, but I’m a control freak and letting technology control my car seems like a crazy idea to me, but I guess for some people such as my friend, the convenience of help is just too good to pass up. And as long as the world keeps spinning, the future of cars will continue to impress, and sooner rather than later, we may end up with our very own “love bug” on our hands. Now that would be a sight to see.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: General Auto by Ashley - No Comments »

The trendyness of cars has changed and developed over the years probably as often as our fashion trends have. As a matter of fact, the analogy of comparing cars to fashion is quite perfect. With fashion, it seems to me that a popular trend is the reappearance of old favorites such as bell-bottom pants, velvet, leggings and so forth. So in today’s technology driven society, is the appearance of classic cars something of the past?

Car trends honestly differ with each individual. For some the look of a high tech, economically friendly vehicle like the Toyota hybrid prius is what they desire, while for others the beauty and elegance of a classical car cannot be matched by any of the new vehicles on the market today. Take for example my 18-year-old cousin who attended his prom in a classic car. Most students when faced with their prom all pool together to arrive in a stretch limo of some sort, but my cousin and his friends decided that a train of classical cars was more suited to their styles. The style of the classical car is very appealing to a number of people as evidenced by the number of national car shows that are created to show off the brilliance of these cars and how they have developed over the years. So despite living in a technology driven society, the timeless preservation that comes hand in hand with a classic car is still very much alive.

Although a classic car may not be the most economical vehicle to drive, especially with gas prices hovering at nearly $4 a gallon in most states, the integrity that comes with a classic car can never be surpassed. And although fashion trends may come and go, the beauty that is a classic car, will be around for many years to come.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Uncategorized by Ashley - 3 Comments »

I can still remember the date. May 4th 2003. Yes that’s right, it was my senior prom, and all I was excited about was our stretch hummer limo that was to be my magical carriage ride for the evening. It was a dream come true. So it only makes sense that kids going to prom in 2008 would be excited about riding in a fly, almost Jetson like hovercraft that can park itself right? But alas, in small towns like Raleigh, NC it seems as if times have reversed by 50 years.

My cousin James just attended his senior prom in a classic car which is no surprise since his family works on them, but what about the number of other classmates whose parents chauffeured them around in their classic Chevy’s and Ford’s and Caminos. It was a site to be seen all right, but it also brings up a great question: Does the “look” of a car have an effect on who buys it?

Take for instance the case of a teenage daughter and her father my sister saw in the Toyota dealership. Daddy’s little girl first looked at the Corolla and decided it wasn’t “pretty” enough for her tastes so they moved on to the hybrid. And that ended up being the winner, despite the elaborate price tag. And one of the main reasons this young girl liked this car was because of its stylish look. Now let’s jump a generation and talk about my uncle who is 65 years old. His brand new HHR is miles more attractive and leagues “prettier” than my poor little Corolla Sport. But wait, I’m a 23 year old single female and I thought I was the one who was supposed to look cool while cruising the open road?

I’ve come to the conclusion that cars are like high school clicks. Some like them green, some like them flashy, and some like them classic. So it’s up to you. Which click do you belong to?

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: General Auto by Ashley - No Comments »

Think back to your first job. For me, it was right after I turned 16. I didn’t want a job, but I needed a job in order to make the money I so desperately needed for my brand new, well almost new as it was a used electric blue car. I couldn’t wait to head back to school, and show all the people in town my sweet ride, whilst still adhering to the 9 p.m. rule of course. Well, that was then, and this is now.

We are now in a time where my 14-year-old niece is dying to get a job so that she can start saving up for a car. But why does she need to do that now? Could it possibly have something to do with the fact that according to a recent study, it’s been predicted that by the time she hits driving age at 16 gas prices may be well over $5 a gallon in most states? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just the excitement of being able to drive when she hits 16, that is, if our economy hasn’t eliminated the teenage driver all together by then. There have been rumors circulating the water coolers that in the coming years the legal driving age will be increased to 18 thus robbing younger teens of their thrill altogether.

Although there are both positives and negatives that can be seen from this overzealous move, with the state of the economy continuing it’s downward spiral, age soon won’t even be a factor. It’s sad really, because there’s truly no better feeling than the excitement of being able to drive for the first time. So kids, don’t rush to obtain your license, because it may take a small, personal loan for you to fill your tank en route to the DMV anyways.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: General Auto, auto rental by Ashley - No Comments »

The debate over increasing gas prices has just about everyone talking. Most of the arguments weigh heaviest towards negative connotations about the subject but are there any positives to gas prices hitting $4 a gallon and continuing to rise? According to a recent U.S. study, researchers believe there just may be some silver lining around the high-priced fuel debate.

Professors Michael Morrisey of the University of Alabama and David Grabowski of Harvard Medical School have found that for every 10% increase in gas prices there is a 2.3% decline in the number of automobile deaths. Breaking the numbers down even further they found that for drivers between the ages of 15 and 17 the decline was around 6% while those who fell between 18 and 21 years old had a 3.2% drop in auto deaths.

The number of automobile deaths in the U.S. typically ranges from 38,000 to 40,000 deaths a year and researchers are predicting that if gas prices continue to rise, that amount could possibly be reduced by a third. Of course, there is a vice versa complex that is at work here as well. If and when gas prices decline, there’s a great chance drivers will begin to increase the amount of driving they do thus raising the risk for automobile deaths again. But for now, the possibility that high gas prices may save some lives is actually very encouraging and plausible. Since the beginning of 2008 the number of drivers on the road has decreased drastically as many families are deciding to engage in staycations, enjoying certain summer activities around their hometowns, because of the hole that gas prices are burning into people’s wallets.

So it would appear that what was once viewed as a very negative economical change may now have extremely positive effects for drivers. Only time will tell where the debate goes from here.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Auto News, General Auto, travel by Ashley - 1 Comment »

If you’ve ever taken a vacation to Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., or Atlanta, the driver in you has undoubtedly come face to face with some of the worst traffic jams in the nation. I can attest from personal experience of living in all three cities, that the traffic is horrendous. From having to sit in traffic for up to 2 hours at a time, seeing a line of cars over 3 miles long, and trying to avoid obnoxious cab drivers, big city driving brings with it a variety of unpleasant feelings. And now there is one more to add to the list: high gas prices.

Right now, gas prices are resting right around $4 per gallon, give or take a few cents, in almost every state. Thus, it is becoming more difficult for people to actually want to get in their cars to drive anywhere because of the fear of how much it will cost them in the long run. Even Utah is taking heed, as they’ve recently become the first state to switch to a four-day workweek for thousands of government employees in hopes of reducing the amount of travel and possibly helping drivers to save money. So how will the unstable economy affect drivers who live in these high traffic cities? Now, instead of solely worrying about getting to work on time, drivers will be more concerned with the money it’s going to take to get to work. In big cities such as D.C., LA, and Atlanta, due to the unbelievably high cost of living, a number of employees live in the suburbs and are forced to travel into the city. In past years commuting to work has never really been an issue, but with gas prices continuing to teeter and threaten reaching some of their highest amounts ever by the year’s end, that is no longer the case.

Thankfully for many drivers in these largely populated cities, public transport is easily accessible and gives drivers an alternative choice to get to work. And they certainly have been taking it. Mass transit has experienced a 3% increase of riders since the beginning of 2008 and that number doesn’t appear to be slowing anytime soon. But for those drivers like myself, who just can’t seem to separate from their beloved vehicles, the economic problems are just something that we’ll have to deal with…for now.

Apparently driving in the big cities is still a possibility, but there is no telling what changes the future may bring. Truthfully, I’m not too sure I want to know.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: General Auto, travel by Ashley - 1 Comment »

In an economy of record high gas prices, green is the color that is preferred by most consumers. Cars “going green” is a globally widespread issue that has automakers doing everything they possibly can to answer the economic call. The Toyota prius hybrid is one of the more popular economic vehicles on the market today and plans to continue their green influence by adding solar panels to their next generation prius hybrids. According to a recent article, the gesture by Toyota is more of a symbolic action to respond to the growing demand for more economic vehicles.

The panels, which are supplied by Kyocera Corp, will mainly be used to power part of the air-conditioning in the high-end versions of the hybrid car. As of right now, this is the only function of the car that will be affected by the solar panels, as it can be difficult to do anything more just using solar power. The problem that many critics are seeing is that solar power is not a viable solution for providing power to cars. The panels can be very expensive and storing the solar power is difficult to do.

“Even if you laid solar panels out on the entire roof of a house, you only generate enough energy to run two hair dryers. It’s an interesting idea, but it would be very difficult to power a whole car, even with technological advances,”

Said Kentaro Endo, a director at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry who specializes in renewable energy. With the demand for more green friendly cars continuing to rise at an alarmingly fast rate, automakers are scurrying to keep up and Toyota has at least taken a step. The demand for the prius has been overwhelming in the past few years as the high gas prices have turned drivers off from larger vehicles such as the SUV and pick-up trucks and Toyota has been struggling to keep up. Maybe with the release of the newly remodeled solar powered prius, which is set to happen sometime next year, Toyota will continue its domination over gasoline-electric hybrid cars.

The stability of gas prices in the economy at the current moment remains to be seen, and hopefully little advancements such as solar powered panels in hybrid vehicles will help shift a change towards a more economically friendly generation of vehicles.

For more information about car rental in Atlanta, contact Triangle Rent A Car today!

Tags: Auto News, General Auto by Ashley - 1 Comment »