Well, summer has finally hit us here in the mountains near Yosemite. Almost overnight our cold, wet, wildly changeable spring gave way with one last cold rain (and snow on the heights) to temperatures in the 70s and 80s this week. We have had a phenomenal display of flowers and the lupines are still out in massive carpets on the hills, but the lovely pink "farewell-to-springs" are starting to appear on the roadside. This is always a harbinger of summer, which will soon be upon us, turning the hills golden brown. Summer is a time to relax, go places and spend money, and some folks wonder how they'll make ends meet while taking time off - especially in this economy. But you don't have to go far from home to have a lot of fun with family and friends. So if you decide to stay closer to home, and come up to enjoy swimming in various lakes, go hiking in Yosemite or just cool off at higher elevations, here's a few tips to help you save money and energy - especially if you decide to look at homes while you're up here, and find yourself doing some extra driving!
1. Drive the speed limit or a little less. Most cars have the best fuel efficiency in the 25 mph to 55 mph range. In fact, according to some studies, just doing this one thing can increase your fuel efficiency by 25% - 50% depending on your make and model.
2. Remember that your car uses gas whenever your foot is on the gas pedal. If you see a stop sign in the distance, take your foot off the gas and allow your car to slow down, rather than keeping your foot on the gas pedal right up to the stop and then braking hard.
3. Check your fluids before getting on the road in the summer time - especially your coolant.
4. Check your tires for correct inflation - in the summer when the road is hot, it's best if your tire pressure is a little on the low side so there's room for the air inside to expand.
Enjoy saving some money while vacationing this summer, and I hope to get a call from you if you decide to explore the idea of buying a getaway in the mountains. I know the area, and I love finding great houses for the best possible price for my clients! I can also put you in touch with vacation rental specialists, and tell you about things to do or areas to visit near Yosemite that are off the beaten path.
Best regards,
Kirsten
Kirsten Englund, REALTOR D.R.E. Lic.# 1307417
Bass Lake Realty
PO Box 349 Pines Village
Bass Lake, CA 9360
Cell: 559-676-1901
Office: 559-642-3610
Fax: 559-642-2771
Website: www.MySierraMountainHome.com
Bass Lake Realty Website: www.BassLakerRealty.com
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