Even so, it’s impossible to remain unaware of the problems — meaning the sky-high gas prices — that have been tormenting the many drivers in the United States who aren’t wealthy. Since I can’t imagine what a pain in the wallet it must be to drive a car these days if you don’t have a lot of disposable income to waste, reflexive curiosity makes me stop and listen (or read) when the issue of conserving gas is raised.

While I was browsing the Sunday paper last weekend, I came across an interesting and relevant article in the Parade magazine insert titled “Smart Ways to Save on Gas.” The piece details a number of small, mostly painless and practical things that drivers can do to squeeze more mileage out of the gas in their car.

A commenter on the online version noted that some of the tips in the article are inspired by those shared at the Drive Smarter Challenge website. I list the bare bones after the jump; visit both websites for more details on how to implement the suggestions, as well as to get additional tips. An earlier post at The Boston Traveler, “Massachusetts Website Offers Help with Gas Prices,” has a few more words of advice that could also help save drivers money.

How to Increase Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency

• Avoid lugging around excess weight in your car
• Bike, carpool, walk, and/or use public transportation whenever possible
• Convert to a motorcycle or motor scooter
• Do more at one time by scheduling multiple errands on fewer trips
• Don’t let your car idle
• Drive more smoothly by avoiding unnecessarily high speeds and abrupt acceleration and braking
• Get rid of anything that causes drag, such as dents, luggage racks, and open windows during long trips
• Keep all four tires in good shape
• Make sure you’re using the correct motor oil for your car
• Stay in the right lane whenever possible

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Governor Deval Patrick and his administration apparently feel constituents’ pain, and in response, they’ve established a new website specifically geared towards helping drivers in Massachusetts cope with soaring gas prices.

Titled Gas Tips, the website currently has six sections with links to timely information on:

• Searching local gas prices to find the best bargain
• Maximizing the amount of gas purchased and increasing the mileage of vehicles
• Alternatives to driving, such as using public transportation, biking, carpooling, and sharing rides through programs like MassRIDES
• Saving money on vacations by visiting destinations within the state

Whether you live in Massachusetts or just plan to drop by in the near future, the new Gas Tips website is a useful tool for those who want money-saving tips and alternatives on the road.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

As a result of the lost gas service, local residents and commercial businesses were forced to make do without such necessities as gas-generated hot water and cooking. Many restaurants were forced to shut down all together, unable to carry on under such circumstances.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is that a little less than a week later, the situation is improving for those who live and work in the area, with gas service either partially or fully restored for many. If you’re traveling to Boston, or already reside here, and have plans to visit the Financial District in the near future, a new website is now live to keep everyone informed with up-to-date information about the status of local establishments.

So, remember: Before you go, check FIDOBoston (Financial District Open for Business). It’s probably also a good idea to call the relevant business(es) directly, as well, just to make sure you don’t waste a trip.

Post from: The Boston Traveler