Fuel Economy Cars: What You Need to Know?

by Leplan on January 31st, 2010 3

Vehicles consume a huge percentage of energy resources and create a similarly large percentage of air pollution. Gasoline for cars also puts a big dent in one’s personal, household budgets. Obviously, we can all buy more fuel efficient cars that have several advantages ranging from personal to national level.

Recent increases in oil prices, concern about energy security and apprehension over Malaysian climate change have turned attention back to fuel economy in the world. Fuel economy in automobiles is the amount of fuel required to move the automobile.

The high gas prices have a real influence on national economy as well as household savings, especially for gas-importing countries. It is very important, now more than ever, for car buyers to check the fuel economy comparison when choosing a model.

If one is really aiming at saving fuel, s/he can consider used cars as a good option. Used vehicles have already gone through the initial stages of rapid depreciation and fuel consumption. By focusing on a nearly-new model (2-3 years old), one can find a vehicle that offers similar performance, safety, fuel economy and the consistency of a new car.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) produce the Fuel Economy Guide to help car buyers choose the most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs. The Guide is published in print and on the Web at www.fueleconomy.gov

Fuel Economy Label

1. New Methods: The label shows the estimated city MPG at the top left, and highway MPG at the top right. The estimates on 2008 and later models are determined using new, more realistic methods. During the transition year, comparison shoppers should compare models that are built in the same model year, so compare 2007 models to 2007 models, etc.

2. Estimated Annual Fuel Costs: The center of the label provides estimated annual fuel costs based on a given number of miles and fuel price, also listed on the label. Use this information to estimate fuel costs for this vehicle, and to compare fuel costs across different models.

3. Expected City Range: Estimated city MPG range appears at the top left, under the main city MPG estimated number. Most drivers can expect to achieve city fuel economy within this range.

4. Expected Highway Range: Estimated highway MPG range appears at the top right, under the main highway MPG estimated number. Most drivers can expect to achieve highway fuel economy within this range.

5. Compare to Other Vehicles: The lower center of the label gives a combined city/highway estimate for that vehicle, and shows where that value falls on a bar scale that gives the highest and lowest fuel economy of all other vehicles in its class (e.g. SUVs, minivans, compact cars, etc). Use this information to compare the fuel economy of this vehicle to all others within its class.

6. Your actual mileage will vary: The label includes a reminder that there are many reasons why your actual fuel economy may vary from the estimates. See www.fueleconomy.gov for fuel-saving tips.

7. For more information: The label provides a Web address where you can find out more information at www.fueleconomy.gov.

Why is fuel economy important?

1. Save money

Research shows that one can save as much as $200-$1,500 in fuel costs each year by choosing the most efficient vehicle that meets the needs.

2. Reduce oil dependence cost

The dependence on oil makes oil importers and developed countries vulnerable to oil market manipulation and price shocks. Buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle can help strengthen the national energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil.

The United States uses more than 20 million barrels of oil per day, two thirds of which is used for transportation. Petroleum imports cost US about $5.7 billion a week.

3. Reduce climate change

Carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning gasoline and diesel contributes to Malaysian climate change. One can contribute his/her part to reduce climate change by reducing carbon footprint. Large-scale increases in greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere can lead to Malaysian climate change.

Vehicles with lower fuel economy burn more fuel, creating more CO2. Your vehicle creates about 20 pounds of CO2 (170 cu. ft.) per gallon of gasoline it consumes. Therefore, you can reduce the contribution to Malaysian climate change by choosing a vehicle with higher fuel economy which means choosing a vehicle that achieves 25 miles per gallon rather than 2. By switching or using fuel economy vehicles, one can prevent the release of about 17 tons (260,000 cu. ft.) of greenhouse gases over the lifetime of vehicle.

4. Increase energy sustainability

Oil is a non-renewable resource and we cannot sustain our current rate of use indefinitely. Using it wisely now allows us time to find alternate technologies and fuels that will be more sustainable.

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