NJ.com blogger Paul Mulshine recently posted an interesting review of dubious claims that a 55-mph speed limit improves overall fuel efficiency.  Mulshine provides a link to a variety of official sources, both domestic and international, that debase the myth of a single fuel efficient speed limit, especially one set at 55-mph.  “Every car I own gets better mileage at 70 mph than the typical SUV gets at 55,” remarked Mulshine. And while that may be true, it’s also worth noting that most modern passenger cars (and even SUVs) have evolved beyond the old carburated engines of yesteryear, and can achieve their highest fuel efficiencies at speeds above 55-mph anyway.

Congress is really trying to ensure it’s approval rating is lower than George Bush now — according to the Wall Street Journal, a congressionally mandated commission will recommend broad upgrades to the nation’s transportation infrastructure financed by a hefty 40 cent per gallon increase in the gas tax. They cite increased need for maintenance and increased cost of that maintenance as a reason for the need to increase the taxes. STOPandGO.org strongly opposes such a sharp rise in gas taxes. A better solution would punish the drivers that cause the damage to the roads in the first place — namely by removing the current tax breaks that provides incentives for individuals to buy large trucks.  Registration fees should be raised on “extreme” oversize vehicles to force the owners to bear the burden of the externalities they are imposing on others. Raising the gas tax somewhat achieves this, but also punishes all drivers which is not fair.

The gas mileage estimates displayed on 2008 model cars are lower than in years past, the result of the Environmental Protection Agency’s revamped fuel-economy rating system which now accounts for real-world driving conditions.

How We Roll: New fuel efficiency standards roll out

Young drivers often become the victims of myths - from bad maintenance advice to mistaken safety tips. Here are 10 common misconceptions among young drivers and what to do instead. To you older drivers: No one’s watching, so feel free to take a peek.

Common myths can cost you money - and even your life

With all the talk of new, fuel-efficient vehicles, those of us who are still driving our regular old cars might feel left out. But there are still ways we can help save gas — and money — by making relatively simple adjustments to our cars and driving habits.

Tips for getting better gas mileage

Hype or high performance? There’s probably a little of both when it comes to inflating your tires with nitrogen. The practice has attracted a lot of attention in the last few years as a way to maintain constant tire pressure, save gas and extend tire life.  But does it work?  This article seems to indicate yes, though it may have a slight pro-Nitrogen bias.

Inflated reputation? Nitrogen filling more tires, but its edge is debated

The Bush administration must write tougher fuel-economy regulations for sport-utility vehicles, minivans and pickups that take into account greenhouse-gas pollution, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.

Tougher fuel economy standards a must, judges say

BREAKING: A federal appeals court ordered U.S. auto regulators on Thursday to rewrite fuel economy rules for trucks that went into effect with 2008 models, saying the agency ignored the law and set the standards too low.

Rewrite fuel economy standards, U.S. appeals court rules

Are rising gas prices getting you down? It wouldn’t be a surprise if they were - with prices topping $3 a gallon at some stations, the cost of gas is putting a strain on a lot of people’s wallets. If you want to conserve gas, here are some tips that will help you save gas and ease the strain on your bank account.

How to: Spend less on gas

“Speeding and rapid acceleration waste gas, and can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent on highways and five percent in stop-and-go traffic.”

Gas prices leaving your wallet on ‘E’