We also have a few tips for staying timely:
1. Plan for traffic.
2. Sign up for text alerts so we can give you a nudge when your reservation is coming to an end.
3. Visit zipcar.com on your mobile device to check if your car is available and extend your reservation.

Last month, we told you that hundreds across Zipcar Nation had committed to car-free living for thirty days as part of our Low-Car Diet. Well, today we're pleased as punch to report that nearly 60% of those dieters have decided to stay car-free long term. And we weren't kidding about the healthier environment and lifestyle. Participants reported increasing their miles walked by 85% and their miles biked by 136%. Get inspired at zipcar.com/lowcardiet.

Remember when you were a kid playing hide-and-seek and you thought if you covered your eyes no one could find you? Unless you're still sitting on the floor with your eyes covered, you figured out that's not the case. Same rules apply here. Driving in a Zipcar does not mean the law can't see you. If you speed, run a light, or whoosh through a tollbooth*, you're not in disguise.

The best way to handle any legal "issue" in a Zipcar is to just fess up. There is no additional financial penalty for tickets received in a Zipcar—unless you don't tell us. You can choose to pay the ticket yourself or appeal it (your choice), but please make sure to call 866.494.7227 or email info@zipcar.com and let us know the situation. If the ticket makes it to us before you do, there is a $20 processing fee, plus any additional penalties that may have accrued on the ticket. Of course, the best approach is to abide by the law, drive safely, and slow down on yellow!

* And the tollbooth thing is tricky. If you're using your own toll transponder, you may have to register the Zipcar on that account in order for it to work – check with your local toll authority to confirm the rules and regulations.

Fall Cleaning is the little-known cousin to Spring Cleaning. About this time every year, we like to take a look at the abode and find ways to prepare for fall. Sprinkling sand from our sneakers is a start, but this fall, we think there are even more things to do. Don't just clean, green.

Start small: change out your light bulbs, commit to carrying a water bottle instead of buying plastic, and find ways to carpool at every corner. The good news all year round is that Zipcar is a part of your efforts to be green. We try to remind people whenever we can&mdashZipcar is helping to save the world, and so are you.

So this season, look good in green.

• Arlington Av & W 259th St (Riverdale)

It may seem early to start talking about Halloween but the costume stores are beginning to pop up around the city, we're itching to carve a pumpkin and our favorite haunted house is about to open its doors. For the fifth year in a row Nightmare will give us the hebe-jeebies! Not only are they bringing back the original "Nightmare" they are paying homage to the haunters of past with their new attraction "Nightmare: Legends"—a throwback to Werewolf, Blob, Zombie, Vampire, Witch, Frankenstein, Mummy and that maniac with a chainsaw!

free coffee fridays

Ahhhh, there's nothing like a free cup of joe to start your Friday morning. Come visit us at our upcoming Free Coffee Fridays! Details below:

And don't forget to stop by Super Scoop Sunday this month for a free scoop of ice cream!