I suppose if you don’t live in the Southeast you might not know what gator blue is. It’s kind of a royal blue with neon tendencies. It is one of the main school colors for the University of Florida, or the Gators. There other color? Orange. Yes, the colors look as bad together as it sounds. At least to me. I actually don’t like either of the colors alone and when they are put together it makes my eyes bleed.

No guess what automotive paint color my dad chose for his brand spanking new truck? If you thought the title was a bit of foreshadowing you were correct. Gator blue. Bright and obnoxious and what was he thinking? The top is white, so at least that is normal. Yes, I actually said that because that’s just how I am. I even said it to him. Do you know what he said? He said he was thinking about having it painted orange. Maybe I’m adopted? I mean who does that? Before you psycho fanboys get too upset with me, I know lots of people do that..school pride, etc. But it doesn’t mean I have to like it, dang it.

So gator blue (for now) is my least favorite automotive paint color. That could change if he carries through with his orange threat. What is your least favorite automotive paint color?

Photo Credit: Dano

My husband and I are currently driving cars that are paid off (yay) and about eight years old. He doesn’t want to get new cars until it is absolutely necessary (read one of them breaks down) and until we can get a super fuel efficient if not electric car. His reasons? Well the economy being what it is he doesn’t want more debt, especially since I’m not working full time anymore. Then there are fuel costs, of course, which seem to be down for the moment but are bound to go back up. Last? The environment. Yes, we care, but really money is more of a concern.

One of the cars he hadn’t mentioned was a diesel. The thing is diesel technology is here now and they have great gas, uhm diesel, mileage. That’s right the fuel mileage can be up to be 30% less than a regular gas engine. How is that for crazy? I know what you’re thinking, they roar like a lion when you’re driving them…right? Wrong. They are way quieter now than they were in the past. There are also a lot of new options in the diesel car market. Lots of companies are seeing this as a way to give customers great fuel efficiency now. I still have some research to do before trying to talk my husband into one, but I’m liking what I’m seeing so far.

Do you have a diesel vehicle? How do you like it and what made you decide to buy?

Photo Credit: swinginstan

These days, an increasing number of people are collecting used restaurant grease and are converting it into bio-diesel for their cars. In order to use the grease, you’ll need to make some basic modifications to your car. This, however, hasn’t stopped a number of drivers from making the switch.

In fact, making bio-diesel from restaurant grease has become so popular that some cities are now powering city buses and more using recycled restaurant grease.

As a bonus, the bio-diesel produced from restaurant grease is not only cheap, but it’s also cleaner-burning than diesel. Is anyone out there driving a car or truck powered by grease?

I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Even with diligent lubricant disposal, accidents happen. Pipes leak, slowly dripping oil, chemicals and more into the environment. Natural disasters as well as simple human error also cause lubricants to pollute land and water. Lubricants, however, aren’t all evil. They serve a necessary purpose and are beneficial in industrial processes, everyday activities and more. If lubricants must be used, however, we should use them wisely.

More and more companies are manufacturing non-toxic lubricants that are eco-friendly. Do your part for the environment:  invest in non-toxic lubricants.

Have you had any success with a non-toxic lubricant? ant to share your story with others?

Post a comment here!

My question is this: Should I buy or lease a car? I know by buying a car, I will eventually own it. Leasing will never afford me that luxury. I will make payments and at the end of the term, hand over the car for a new one. Knowing that I will lease a new car every 4 years or so is appealing. Never-ending car payments, however, is not.

What do you think? Is it better to lease or buy a car?