How to Choose a Fuel-Efficient Car

Owning a car comes with plenty of expenses, one of the largest being fuel costs. According to JD Power, Americans spend between $150 and $200 on gas monthly, which translates to $5000 yearly. And with the gas price rising day by day, buying a fuel-efficient car is a top priority for most people. In addition to saving on fuel, choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle will also reduce your carbon footprint.

With that said, how do you choose a fuel-efficient car? This guide will cover what you need to navigate the car market and select a fuel-efficient vehicle that perfectly suits your needs.

What is fuel efficiency?

Fuel efficiency describes the car's fuel consumption performance. In the United States, fuel efficiency is measured in miles per gallon (MPG). This rating indicates how many miles a car can travel on a single gallon of fuel. The higher the MPG, the more fuel-efficient the car. Fuel-efficient vehicles offer many advantages, both for your wallet and the planet. Let's cover some of them.

Save you money on gas

This is an obvious perk. The cost of gas has been a major challenge for most drivers. And with no hope of these prices returning to where they were three years ago, buyers are now shifting to fuel-efficient cars to save money on gas.

With good gas mileage, you'll need to fill up less often, leading to significant cost savings over time. In fact, experts say you can save up to $4500 in five years by driving a car with 30 mpg instead of 20 mpg.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Fuel-efficient cars burn less fuel, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This helps combat climate change and air pollution. Lower emissions contribute to cleaner air, especially in urban areas, improving public health.

Less reliance on fossil fuels

Experts believe the world will run out of fossil fuels in less than 50 years. However, using fuel-efficient cars could help drivers evade this disaster. By relying less on gasoline, people decrease their dependence on finite fossil fuel resources. This helps conserve these resources for future generations and reduces geopolitical tensions associated with oil dependence.

Government incentives

Many governments recognize the environmental and economic benefits of fuel-efficient vehicles. Therefore, they offer tax credits, rebates, or other incentives to encourage consumers to purchase these cars. This financial help can significantly reduce the upfront cost, making fuel-efficient options more accessible.

How to choose a fuel-efficient car

The internet is full of information on the most fuel-efficient vehicles, which can be confusing if you are new to buying cars. However, one essential fact is that good fuel economy is relative. In each category of vehicles, you'll still find models that provide more fuel efficiency.

Therefore, to choose a fuel-efficient car, you need to understand how different elements affect fuel efficiency. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a fuel-efficient vehicle.

The right size for your needs

The size and weight of a car are some of the most significant factors affecting its fuel economy. A heavier car requires more energy to accelerate, maintain speed, and overcome friction, while lighter, smaller vehicles generally get better gas mileage because they need less power. In fact, a 10% reduction in car weight can lead to a 6% improvement in fuel economy. However, while the smallest car may save you the most money, you must balance efficiency and practical needs. Consider factors like;

• Usage: Will you primarily use the car for daily commuting, long road trips, or a mix of both?
• Passenger Capacity: How many people do you typically need to transport? Do you require ample cargo space?
• Features: What additional features are important to you?

If you regularly haul cargo or have a family to transport, a compact car might not be ideal. In such a case, choose the smallest type of car that meets your needs. Avoid vehicles with features that add weight to the car or increase drag. For instance, a vehicle with a removable roof rack is more fuel efficient because a permanent roof rack increases drag, while power seats increase car weight, causing it to consume more fuel.

Drivetrain

Another factor to consider is the type of drivetrain. Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles are generally more fuel-efficient than all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles due to the additional components required for AWD. Therefore, unless you often drive in areas that require four-wheel drive, you can get a drivetrain that engages all four wheels only when needed to save on fuel.

Moreover, in the past, manual transmissions offered slightly better fuel efficiency than automatic transmissions. However, modern automatic transmissions have become increasingly sophisticated, narrowing the gap in fuel economy.

Engine power

Engine power refers to the rate at which it converts fuel into usable energy. Higher horsepower engines can generate more power, but that requires burning more fuel.

Generally, cars with smaller engines and fewer cylinders (e.g., 4-cylinder) are more economical than those with larger engines (e.g., V6, V8). However, there can be exceptions. For instance, some 4-cylinder engines have turbochargers to boost power and might use more fuel than a larger, naturally aspirated engine. Ultimately, there's a trade-off between power and fuel efficiency. A less powerful engine might be better if you prioritize fuel economy.

Choose the horsepower that suits your driving style. A less powerful engine will be enough if you mostly navigate city streets. However, for frequent highway driving, consider a car with a bit more oomph. Luckily, most car manufacturers make various engine sizes so that you can buy the smallest for more fuel efficiency. When comparing fuel efficiency ratings, remember that your mileage may vary based on driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and environmental conditions.

Explore alternative fuel vehicles

The best way to save on gas is to use very little or not at all. You can do this by buying a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or an electric vehicle. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor to significantly boost fuel efficiency. HEVs don't need to be plugged in, as the gasoline engine kicks in to recharge the battery when necessary. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) offer even greater efficiency. They can be plugged into an external power source to recharge the battery, allowing electric-only driving for shorter commutes.

For the ultimate in fuel efficiency, Electric Vehicles (EVs) rely solely on electricity for propulsion. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a fantastic choice for environmentally conscious drivers. However, EVs require access to charging stations.

Think of efficiency boosters

There's more to fuel efficiency than just the car itself. Look for features that can improve gas mileage, like;

• Aerodynamic design to reduce drag
• A start-stop system that automatically shuts off the engine when idling.
• Aluminum wheels - they weigh less than standard wheels
• Cruise control to keep speed constant on highways

Finally, remember that your driving habits also influence fuel efficiency. Here are habits you can adopt to see a noticeable difference in fuel economy;

• Avoid aggressive acceleration
• Maintain proper tire pressure
• Remove excess weight
• Keep the window closed at high speeds

Summing it up

Buying a fuel-efficient car is good for your wallet and the environment. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to point out the exact fuel-efficient vehicle. The ideal choice will depend on your individual needs and driving habits. Do your research, but don't sacrifice practicality. As much as fuel efficiency is a priority, you also need a vehicle to suit your needs.

Are you looking for a fuel-efficient car? If yes, there are plenty of new car models you can purchase or get on finance. Opting for car financing can, in particular, help you save upfront costs by allowing you to pay for your car in monthly instalments. With a low-interest auto loan, you can get a car with the latest futures and technology, including a fuel-efficient engine and advanced safety systems.