- Fuel efficiency, as it relates to drivers, is the rate at which a vehicle uses its fuel, measured in miles per gallon (mpg). The Environmental Protection Agency in 2008 enacted new fuel-efficiency standards that take into account city driving versus country driving, speed, acceleration, air conditioning and driving in the cold. Each vehicle, by law, comes with a window sticker that details the fuel economy of that vehicle.
- Drivers can save $200 to $1,500 each year by selecting a vehicle with high fuel efficiency. It's becoming easier to select a car with good fuel efficiency. Decreasing speed and the load on the car and avoiding idling are ways to improve gas mileage. Other ways to improve fuel efficiency are to routinely replace fuel filters, keep tires properly inflated and use the type of oil recommended for your car.
- The United States is heavily dependent on foreign oil, and this costs the country more than $296 billion a year in imports. Not only does this weaken the United States' power on the world stage, it puts the economy in duress when spikes in oil prices occur. Making our vehicles less dependent on petroleum and using the oil we have wisely will help normalize our economy. Exploring alternative fuels such as biofuel and new technologies such as electric-powered cars may also help lower our dependence on foreign oil.
- When cars burn fuel, carbon dioxide and other harmful gases are released into the air, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency these gases contribute to changes in the global climate. Climate change has been linked to severe weather patterns, decreased water and food supply and damaged ecosystems. The EPA reports that 25 percent of our nation's carbon emissions are from vehicles. In addition, oil is a finite source, so the less oil we use the better, because someday it will be gone.
- All cars are definitely not equal when it comes to fuel efficiency. The EPA recommends the following: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, among others. The worst cars for fuel efficiency include Lamborghini Murcielago, Bentley Azure, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Mercedes-Benz Maybach 57S, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
