With the price of fuel rising, it is only smart to invest in fuel-efficient car. But what are the factors that must be considered in buying a car? Here are some tips for buying a fuel-efficient car.
Consider the Weight and Size of the Engine
How efficient a car can be determined by the weight and size of the engine. This is the biggest factor in buying a car. Since heavier cars are heavier to push around the road, they burn more gas. While also being a source of weight itself, the size of the engine affects how much power the vehicle has.
If you want a vehicle that consumes less fuel, opt for a smaller vehicle. Not only it consumes less fuel but it also produce less carbon dioxide. If you will choose a small type of vehicle that meets your everyday need, you'll save money on fuel.
Consider the Safety Ratings
When it comes to buying cars, we seem to face two conflicting ideas, according to Bell Performance website. While "the lighter vehicles get the best gas mileage, the heavier vehicle tend to be the safer ones." Thus, when buying a car, check the combination of factors. Consider the safety ratings in connection for gas mileage. And just to be safe, when riding a car, always wear your seatbelt.
Read Also: Hiring Or Buying a Business Car - What to Consider
Check the Fuel Efficiency Ratings
In recent years, there had been criticism in the EPA Estimated Gas Mileage ratings. This is because there seems to be gaps between what people get in mileage out in the real world and what the EPA publishes. When buying a car, you should check the fuel efficiency ratings, and we mean not just the EPA but also what people get in mileage in the real world.
When Buying a Car, Avoid Unnecessary Extras
Because many extra features add weight to the car, it increase the amount of fuel a vehicle consumes. Thus, weight your options if the comfort or convenience that these features are worth the increase in fuel costs. For instance, consider the power windows, seats, mirrors and doors. The electricity consumed by these features may not be significant.
Consider also the air conditioning, as it can increase the fuel consumption by more than 20%. "Look for a system with an "economy" mode to help minimize the impact of air conditioning use," according to NRCan website.
You may want to avoid remote car starters as this wastes fuel. Another feature is turbocharged engines as it is more fuel efficient to downsize to a smaller engine with a turbocharger. However, fuel costs may increase if you will be turbocharging a standard size engine to get more power.
Inquire for Fuel-efficient Features
Consider inexpensive options when buying a car as it will reduce fuel consumption. Consider getting aluminum wheels as it is lighter that regular wheels. You might also think of having a block heater for it means "you start a semi-warm engine and improve your vehicle's overall winter fuel efficiency," according to NRCan website.
Another feature to secure is the navigation systems. This feature will show you the most direct route, which saves you from wasting fuel from possible detours.
Consider also getting a cruise control as it "helps keep a vehicle's speed constant on the highway," as per NRCan article.
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