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A new report by traffic information company INRIX highlights how fuel prices influence consumer driving patterns, congestion and public transit use and how to predict such changes for the future.

The INRIX National Traffic Scorecard Special Report takes an aggregate analysis of fuel prices, traffic congestion and an open survey of consumer opinions to create a predictive model for driving patterns. These results make implications that could potentially aid specialty-equipment manufacturers in developing strategies to understand fuel prices and their impact, ultimately selling car parts more suited to the market.

The study found that traffic congestion fell significantly during the first half of 2008, but was less dramatic in dense urban cities, such as New York City, Washington D.C. and Chicago. Nearly two-thirds of consumers changed driving behaviors. Of those, 69% took fewer driving trips; 34% made shorter trips; 9% carpooled; 8% began riding bikes or motorcycles; and 7% used public transportation.

In SEMA-conducted surveys, the results were similar. The most common strategies used to cope with high fuel prices were to drive less, combine errands or reduce recreational trips. The INRIX study showed a $4.50-per-gallon tipping point for road trips and leisurely driving with general consumers claiming they would significantly reduce the frequency of trips at this level.

Fuel prices are beginning to drop to lower levels, but in the instance that they begin to rise again, this level should be watched. When enthusiasts do drive, 64% claimed to change their driving habits.

“Although we can’t predict the future price of fuel, we can predict the potential impacts to traffic congestion,” notes Bryan Mistele, INRIX founder and CEO. “As a whole, the population appears to have made lasting changes to their behavior, which we expect to persist at some level even if gas prices revert to pre-2007 levels.”

The top cities with a negative correlation between fuel prices and traffic flow include Atlanta, Miami, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Springfield (Massachusetts), Daytona Beach, Orlando, Memphis, Charlotte and Riverside (California). Commuters in these cities reacted the most significantly as fuel prices increased.

Two other noteworthy details spring from this study. Atlanta, which topped the list, had a large swell of public transportation use. In order to meet the expanded demand, the city absorbed the rush by greatly expanding the capacity of public parking lots. In cities that heavily depend on vacation or leisure travel, such as Miami and Las Vegas, the decline in traffic congestion was attributed to fewer families being able to visit these destinations.

With any dominant social shift in behavior or spending fluctuations come consequential changes in the retail markets. Studies are suggesting that consumers are beginning to transform the way they view transportation and manufacturers of custom auto parts and accessories need to stay abreast of such shifts in order to stay competitive.

You know the first question; How many diesel fuel injector do I need? The follow ups are pretty straight forward too. Reman or new? Can I buy high performance versions?

The answer is yes, you need 1 per cylinder and you should change them all at the same time. So a V8 engine will need eight fuel injectors. No way around this one, changing one is just not worth it. I recommend new if the price is within $40 each. If higher than that, you might try a quality rebuilt unit, but be careful, alot of junk out there.

Be sure to check the diesel injection pump and the diesel supply pump for good flow. They may be the cause of the problem. The VP44 pump on Dodge Cummins diesels is notoriously bad. These are not cheap, so make sure you know the problem before replacing.

There are options of high performance versions on many injectors. The Dodge 5.9L you can buy high flow injectors that can improve performance. I would recommend adding these with a high performance diesel turbocharger. That way you get both air and fuel increased at the same time. Thats the best way for performance.

SO her eis a question even I had to look up. Where are the glow plugs on a Dodge Cummins 5.9L diesel engine? Anyone?

The answer is that there are none. They don’t use them. The Cummins engine utilizes a grid heater which warms air coming in the intake, before it reaches the cylinder. It does not use glow plugs to aid in cold weather starting. When starting your 5.9L in cold weather, the grid heater typically cylces for 3 minutes after you turn on the engine. This improves combustion and performance and minimizes smoke.

All of the other parts of the fuel injection system are about the same. You cannot usually find the grid heaters in the diesel parts aftermarket where I typically recommend you go. You are best off trying a Dodge or Cummins dealership.

Thought I would do a little survey. See the poll below. Is this economy testing your car parts buying? Doing more work at home? Cuttting any corners?

Is the economy affecting your parts buying and repair?

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Someone asked me what is the best way to find a good mechanic. I said I recommend going on referrals, but here are a few tips.

Stay away from the dealers and large chains. The person who actually works on your car is a low wage hourly employee in a training program, not a certified mechanic. Avoid the very small places that look sketchy. Find a nice 4-10 bay garage, that is a good size.

Ask friends for referrals, they will be best. You can check online reviews, but there is usually just not enough data. One ‘review’ might be from the shop itself. You need at least 10 reviews to make it legit.

AAA has a good list of mechanics too. You can check with them. AAA requires certain things of their shops including guarantees, so that is a good list to go off of.

Yesterday I did an article about the checking the Engine Coolant Level. In the article I mentioned it should be flused every 60-90 thousand miles.

The question is how? The typically flush uses an actual cleaning flush solvent that is powered through with an air gun. Sometimes just pouring it through will get the job done. You want to be careful to not use too much pressure as you could damage the radiator.

As always, you want to consult a guide book for your car. Some places online have good deals on car repair manuals. You really should have one for your car anyway.

Its should be pretty common knowledge, but you should always keep the coolant level full. Engine coolant helps keep the temperature of the engine in normal range. Low coolant level cause the engine overheating, which is vital for the engine. Also true is that it keeps the engine from freezing.

How to check the engine coolant fluid level:
The coolant level should be between “LOW” and “FULL” marks in the coolant expansion tank as in the picture. If it’s lower, you should top it up. If there is no coolant in the expansion tank at all, you should add the coolant into the radiator also. But remember, NEVER open the radiator or the expansion tank cap when engine is hot! It can burn you and cause serious damage.

When engine temperature is close to normal, which is usually at least 10 minutes after the engine is off , simply add coolant into the expansion to “FULL” mark. and into the radiator if needed.

Remember, you should also flush the system every 60-90K miles. This ensure that no build up or contamination gets in there. This should be done more frequently if you are driving off road, in high temps, or high mileage. All of these parts and more Toyota parts can be found at BuyAutoParts.com. I don’t have a recommendation on any brand, but stick with the major names.