What To Look For In A Fuel-Efficient Car
There are many prevailing theories about what you should look out for when choosing a fuel-efficient car. We all have different needs, and that can play a crucial role in deciding which fuel-efficient car would be best for us. This is why we have researched and prepared detailed information to give you an idea of what to look out for in a fuel-efficient car. After all, selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you will have to make.
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Axle Ratio
Plenty of car buyers are surprised to find out that they have a choice between different axle ratios when buying a car in some situations. There are many performance-oriented cars and pickup trucks that come in a variety of axel ratios. There is a rule of thumb that many in the automotive industry use, and that is the lower the axle ratio, the greater its economic potential will be. This is possible because it allows the engine to run slower.
Do Your Necessary Homework
Just like buying anything of significance, you first need to do your due diligence. There are plenty of tools out there that allow you to compare fuel-efficient cars against one another. With many fuel-efficient cars available in the market, doing your homework on the different types will save you a lot of time and confusion by helping you narrow down your options. Also, don’t forget to look into one of the best car insurance companies before purchasing a car, as you’ll need proof of insurance to buy it.
The Type Of Engine
The engine type of a car is often overlooked when weighing the fuel efficiency of a vehicle against other criteria. You should know that a diesel engine is more fuel-efficient than a gasoline engine. Another thing to consider is the amount of power a specific engine generates. For example, a four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient than a V6 engine, and a V6 more efficient than a V8. Furthermore, when looking at trucks, you will find they usually have a V6 or V8 engine. When coupled with poor aerodynamics and weigh a ton, trucks are oftentimes not very fuel-efficient.
Size And Weight
As a rule, the lighter the vehicle, the more fuel-efficient it is. There are some exceptions, but this holds in most cases. The bigger the vehicle, the more power, and energy it will need to run. As a result of this, bulkier vehicles are less fuel-efficient.
Amenities And Fuel Economy
Vehicles are built these days with comfort in mind, however, that sometimes comes at a cost. Comfort can be anything from a heated leather seat in winter to a new gadget that makes your commute in traffic more enjoyable. Some people take comfort in the knowledge that they are eking out every gallon to the last drop.
You can say that each luxury amenity adds weight and takes away power from your car’s engine. Both of these are counterproductive to your fuel economy and performance. Here are some of the luxuries that aid in poor fuel efficiency and performance.
Now you know what to look out for when searching for a fuel-efficient car. It is necessary to do your homework, inquire about different axel ratios, and know what type of engine the vehicle has. All of these will help you in deciding which vehicle is more fuel-efficient. However, sometimes cutting back on some of the luxury features of a car will save you plenty of MPG in the long run.
