Guide to buying a fuel efficient car

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Guide to buying a fuel efficient car

If you are in the market for a new car, and are concerned about global warming, considering the following before buying a new car could make all the difference.

For instance, do you even consider how environmentally friendly the engine of your car is? Do you need a car as large as you are looking for? Does your car really need the fuel-burning extra features it possesses?

Buying the right car

Unfortunately, economical cars are not usually the same ones that are regarded as status symbols. The damaging popularity of totally unnecessary Sports Utility Vehicles and trucks means more fuel-inefficient vehicles on the road. When buying a new or used car, consider how much car you really need? For instance, if you have a large family you may need a seven-seater. Similarly, if you are a carpenter you may need a van to house lengths of wood and tools. However, once you really analyse what you need, you may find yourself opting for a smaller, cheaper and more fuel-efficient vehicle… that is better for the environment.

Finding the most environmentally-friendly car

Once you have found the most suitably sized car for your uses, find the most environmentally friendly model of vehicle possible. For instance, if you need an estate car, check out its green ratings and fuel economy before buying. You can find these out using Yahoo green ratings and some car shopping comparison services. Choosing a model of car that is more fuel-efficient makes a surprisingly big difference in the fight against pollution and global warming.

Most car shopping sites compare models according to their fuel economy. Fuel economy is the most important criterion that determines how much heat-trapping greenhouse gas is emitted from a vehicle. Choosing a model that is just a few MPG more efficient makes a big difference in helping to fight global warming over a year of driving, and a huge difference over the many years that most cars and trucks stay on the road.

Choosing environmentally friendly features

Additional features can greatly add to the fuel economy of your vehicle. For instance, driving a four-wheel drive (4WD) can greatly increase fuel consumption, so if it is unnecessary, don’t purchase it. Similarly, souped-up engines guzzle petrol, and unnecessarily add to global warming. Realising that you do not need enormous horsepower on your vehicle is one of the first steps in decreasing pollution and getting a more economical car.