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a bunch of hot air
by T-ManPublished Aug 22, 2008
Views: 265
I remember when a presidential candidate made a statement about how we can lower gas prices by properly inflating tires in all automobiles. He was laughed at and mocked for making such a stupid, idiotic statement. "Air isn't going to fix gas prices, you dummy, drilling will!" Well, here's a pretty simple statistic for you, courtesy of the US Dept of Energy:
"Underinflated tires alone cost the country more than 3.5 million gallons of gasoline each day."
Wait, did that say 3.5 MILLION GALLONS PER DAY??? Actually, YES it did! I'm certainly not in a position to attempt to prove or disprove that number. Let's assume for a minute that the Dept of Energy stretched their numbers a little (how about 50%?) So even after decreasing that number by 50% that gives us an additional 1.75 millions of gas a day - 12.25 Million a week - 638,750,000 gallons of gas a year. Now, do you still think that wouldn't put a dent in the price of gas at the pump?
Filed under: Lifestyle
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The mechanic looked at me and ask "Flat Tire?"
I just shot back "Naw the other three just blew up on me"
Not missing a beat he said, "The heat'll do that"
Sorry could not resist the joke.
GOLO member since October 17, 2007
August 22, 2008 3:45 p.m.
GOLO member since July 25, 2007
August 22, 2008 3:46 p.m.
What about people who don't have tire pressure gauges. Should we also ask the gov't to subsidize a program for taxing those who can for money to offer the pressure gauges?
What about people who don't know what their tire pressure is and bought a used car that didn't have the manual and they don't have a computer at home. should we subsidize a program to help them pay for the cost of going to a mechanic to get the right pressure for the tires?
What about those who have no idea how to put air in a tire (Don't laugh - I've met them!), do we subsidize a class to teach people about proper tire maintenance on a car? Maybe make it part of a manditory class in high school since that's when they start driving? (con't)
GOLO member since December 18, 2007
August 22, 2008 3:47 p.m.
But let's focus on tires! That is our ultimate answer! We need not look further!
GOLO member since December 18, 2007
August 22, 2008 3:49 p.m.
August 22, 2008 3:49 p.m.
Fact of the matter is, it is completely unrealistic. Those numbers from the DOE are meaningless and are only vaild IF you could in fact MAKE every American check their tires every week. The situations I gave are very real situations - added to the fact that most people just don't care. They don't take care of their cars at all. It's not a poor thing either. People can afford them don't take care of them because they just trade them out after a couple of years.
GOLO member since December 18, 2007
August 22, 2008 3:52 p.m.
GOLO member since December 4, 2007
August 22, 2008 3:54 p.m.
And by the way - not all stations have them. Making a person waste gas driving around trying to find one. Not productive.. don't be so quick to judge those situations
GOLO member since December 18, 2007
August 22, 2008 3:55 p.m.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
August 22, 2008 3:55 p.m.
GOLO member since December 4, 2007
August 22, 2008 3:57 p.m.
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