Gas Mileage: Why MPG Numbers Really Matter
(Page 3 of 5)
August/September 2007
By James Kliesch
Nevertheless, improving the accuracy of fuel economy labels is an important move, and another step toward increased public understanding of the extent of our country’s reliance on oil. The changes also highlight the vehicles most in need of improvement. While hybrids are fuel-thrifty and are becoming increasingly popular, the steady improvements of conventional cars and trucks would have a greater impact in reducing oil consumption and global warming emissions. The good news: there are a handful of new high-mpg models available, plus superefficient plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars are on the way.
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Get to Know Your MPG
Whether you’re buying a new car or nursing an ’89 Civic, there are numerous steps we all can take that will have real and lasting impacts, starting today. First, walk, bike or take mass transit whenever possible. Simply put, not driving is a significant way to save oil and money, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Second, for those necessary trips, change your driving behavior and keep your car “physically fit” through regular maintenance (see “How to Improve Your Fuel Economy,” below). And once you’ve made those changes, make fuel economy a game: The goals and rewards are to save money and reduce your consumption of oil and creation of greenhouse gases. The key is to monitor your vehicle’s mpg regularly. What causes it to go up or down? Does it change in different seasons? With different tires? Tracking your fuel economy will empower you to make a difference and save money — two reasons to feel good, even when you have to buy gas.
Third, when it comes time to shop for your next vehicle, seek out a model with the best available fuel economy. Even if you can’t make the leap to a hybrid, a handful of new conventional models (such as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris) are affordable and designed with efficiency in mind. If your needs lie elsewhere, remember that most traditional vehicles are available in a range of engine and transmission options. Smaller engines typically offer a few extra mpg over larger engines. Similarly, two-wheel-drive transmissions will usually do a little better than four-wheel-drive versions. Also, when possible, choose vehicle trims with fuel-efficient technologies such as continuously variable transmissions (CVT) and engines with cylinder deactivation. Furthermore, understand that even an incremental mpg improvement is nothing to sneer at, especially for vehicles with low fuel economies. Choosing a truck that averages 16 mpg rather than 14 mpg will save as much gasoline annually as opting for a 51 mpg car rather than a 35 mpg car.
Fourth, lead the “drive” for better mpg by contacting your congressional representatives and insisting on a meaningful increase in fuel economy standards. Point out that the numbers used for CAFE are a far cry from what we actually get on the road. Moreover, we’re long overdue for a significant mpg boost. Today’s average new vehicle is less efficient than the average new vehicle of 1982, in large part because fuel economy standards barely increased over the past couple decades.
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