Anyone living on long island knows the gas prices are much higher here than other areas mostly due to extra taxes on gas.  But from a high of $4.37 a gallon on average in July, 2008, gas seems to be on the decline with an average cost of $3.89 per gallon.  While not earth shaking, it will help many save a few dollars per fill up.  Why give more profits to these big oil companies who are reporting record windfalls of billions of dollars each quarter.

There are many ways to save on gas to keep the money in your pocket.  The first and most obvious is to slow down on the road.  Typically gas consumption  is increased 10% if you go from 60 to 70 mph.  Another helper is to keep your tires properly filled with air.  When tires are under or overinflated, this creates less miles per gallon efficiency.

Avoid slamming on the brakes or gas will help as well.  By hitting the gas at say a traffic light, the gas consumption is greatly increased as it takes such power to move a car from standing to moving.  Give your car a chance and accelerate slowly.  The people honking behind you will move over!

Using extras like air conditioning use more fuel but even alternatives like opening a window which creates drag lower economy so what are you to do?  Just try to reduce the use of control the speed of the a/c output.

With gas prices sky high, auto restorations on Long Island continue to roll in for Paul’s Restos in Deer Park. Contracted orders for classic car restorations are rising to transform those old cars to mint shape and the news could not be better even as gas hits almost $5 per gallon for these machines.

Many car buffs have reduced appearances at the big Long Island and New york car events due to the higher cost of gas. Many of the older vehicles especially muscle cars such as Mustangs, Chevelles, and Mopars require the driver to use a higher octane of fuel with many engines needing 93 octane or more. Several local car clubs are rethinking their cruises to more of a local hot rod spot as opposed to hitting major locations which could be many miles away.

Gas is not just affecting the cars themselves but suppliers of these high quality restoration parts that are being shipped to shops. “All products and supplies have increased just like gas has and is affecting the costs of our jobs.” said Paul DiMauro, an auto restorations of Long Island specialist and owner of Paul’s Rods and Restos in Deer Park, New York.

No matter what price gas or car washes hit, there will always be people who want to have their automobile brought back to original luster and shine. Many hold memories from their youth and younger years related to their cars and the good times with them. Even changes in the economy will have no effect on those looking to restore a part of their youth.

About Paul’s Rods & Restos
Paul DiMauro has been restoring classic cars and hot rods on Long Island for over 26 years specializing in original restorations as well as resto-mods to bring back cars to a solid and eye-pleasing appearance. Check out his work at PaulsRestos.com or contact him at 631-665-RODS.