For the first 100 gallons using the Shell Card, Shell has announced a limited offer where 30 cents per gallon will be returned for the first 100 gallons purchased using the said cards. The promo is valid onl for a 90 day period and available at all Shell-branded stations. The promo is valid for those who sign up and are approved for a new Shell Card from June 29, 2009 to September 30, 2009.

“Whether it means taking vacations closer to home or replacing flights with road trips, being budget-conscious is top of mind for many consumers this year,” said Mark Theobald, US Consumer Cards, Shell Oil Products US. “The Shell Card promotion will help drivers get the most out of every drop by offering a timely and effective solution that lowers the cost of driving without sacrificing the quality of fuel.”

For easy budgeting, Shell Card holders can track and manage gasoline purchases separately from other day-to-day expenses. The Shell Card is a proprietary credit card that offers free 24/7 online account access, no annual fee, flexible payment options and pay-at-the-pump convenience.

Consumers can use the Shell Card at any Shell-branded station coast-to-coast, participating Jiffy Lube locations nationwide, and more than 250,000 ATMs across the US. With the promotion, new Shell Card holders will receive a $30 statement credit after purchasing 100 gallons of gasoline within 90 days of the account open date.

(Source) Press

Tags: Budget, closer to home, conscious, consumer cards, consumers, effective solution, flexible payment options, flights, gasoline purchases, jiffy lube locations, mark theobald, onl, proprietary credit card, road trips, shell oil products, vacations

Continue reading...

The need is there and the forecasts are being made. As far as the needs of electric cars, charging stations are bound to be the next demand in the motoring industry, something that has already started but is way off from covering the needs of the projected number of electric cars expected to be out in the market.

As far as the Pike Research is concerned, there will be over 5 million charging stations up, obviously foreseeing the major influx of electric cars running around in the streets by then.

“While electric vehicles will be primarily charged at home, a strong funding push by governments will mean that more than half of all charge points will be public charging stations by 2015,” says industry analyst John Gartner. “Retailers will also install public access stations primarily as a marketing tool, and many companies will also offer workplace charging stations for their employees.”

Indeed, people can satisfy themselves for now with a one-time charge. But the next question is up to where can they go? Most electric cars today have a specified mileage depending on the charging capacity and unlike fueled cars, charging stations just in case of extended road trips is obviously lacking. Then again, who knows if they will be that plenty come 2015? We can only wait and see.

(Source) Press

Tags: 5 million, electric cars, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, fueled cars, gartner, governments, industry analyst, influx, marketing tool, mileage, public access, road trips, time charge

Continue reading...

Batteries need proper preventive maintenance for any occasion and this includes the summer time. Summer is driving season for family vacations and road trips, but high temperatures can put the brakes on the fun without proper vehicle maintenance.

America’s number one automotive replacement battery company, Interstate Batteries, offers preventive maintenance tips to families to help prepare their automobiles for worry-free summer travels.

Interstate Batteries recommends that individuals follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Perform a visual inspection – Examine the battery for dirt or debris, which often accumulates during the winter. Clean all surfaces to ensure an unsoiled connection between posts and cables. Wipe off terminals.
• Confirm fluid levels – If your battery has removable vent caps, remove them and check the water level in each cell. Make sure the water level is above the plate level. If necessary, add distilled water to the cells. You will not be able to confirm any water levels if the battery is not accessible or if it doesn’t have removable filler caps.
• Don’t overcharge – Overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging. To make sure the electrical system is charging correctly, have the battery and electrical charging system professionally tested every three to six months and especially prior to a vacation.
• Check indicator lights – Be familiar with your car battery’s indicator lights, which are designed to alert you when the battery needs attention. If the Battery or Charging System lights illuminate, have your vehicle’s battery and charging system tested by a qualified technician.

(Source) Press

Tags: battery company, car battery, charging system, electrical system, family vacations, filler caps, high temperatures, indicator lights, interstate batteries, maintenance tips, preventive maintenance, replacement battery, road trips, summer time, time summer, vacation check, vehicle maintenance, vent caps, water level, water levels

Continue reading...