Sylvie Willis
Fuel efficiency is a priority for many drivers, but how can you tell if your car is fuel-efficient? Fuel efficiency measures how much fuel is needed for your car to move. A fuel-efficient car will burn less fuel, which means fewer trips to the gas station and more money in your pocket. When shopping for a fuel-efficient car, it's important to compare engine specs and vehicle weight, as lighter vehicles are more fuel-efficient. Aerodynamic designs and lubricants that reduce friction can also improve fuel efficiency. Online resources and word-of-mouth can help you research fuel efficiency, but remember that driving conditions and style can also impact fuel consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Diesel engines are more efficient than petrol engines |
| Vehicle weight | Lighter vehicles are more fuel-efficient |
| Aerodynamics | Vehicles with better aerodynamics are more fuel-efficient |
| Vehicle maintenance | Properly maintained vehicles are more fuel-efficient |
| Fuel economy | Measured by kilometres per litre (km/L) or litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km) |
| Fuel consumption | A more precise measurement than fuel economy |
| GPM | A more important metric for efficiency improvements than MPG |
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What You'll Learn
Research fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a priority for many drivers, but how can you tell if your car is fuel-efficient?
Firstly, it's important to note that fuel efficiency is not just about the money you save at the pump, it's also about reducing your carbon footprint. A fuel-efficient car will have a smaller engine, a lightweight body, better aerodynamics, and a smaller axle ratio. Diesel engines are more efficient than petrol, and electric vehicles are the most efficient of all. When researching a new car, it's a good idea to compare engine specs and look for vehicles with aerodynamic designs.
There are plenty of online resources to research fuel efficiency, including manufacturer figures, reviews, and databases. The U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Removable Energy, for example, maintains a database of vehicle fuel economy for all makes and models dating back to 1984. When researching, it's important to keep an open mind and not rely on just one or two sources, as car marketers are often guilty of over-hyping the efficiency of their vehicles. It's also worth noting that automatic vehicles tend to use slightly more fuel than manual vehicles, so be sure to compare like for like.
If you're buying a used car, you should ask to see the maintenance history. A well-maintained car will be more fuel-efficient. You could also speak to the current owner about their fuel consumption, but remember that this will depend on their driving style and conditions. Someone who does a lot of stop-start driving in traffic, for example, will use more fuel than someone who drives on open roads with little traffic in the same car.
Finally, remember that fuel economy and fuel efficiency are not the same thing. Fuel economy measures the effort required to convert chemical energy from fuel into the kinetic energy your car needs to move, while fuel efficiency is a broader term that encompasses how a specific vehicle uses fuel.
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Compare engine specs
Fuel efficiency has become a crucial factor for car buyers, especially with the ever-increasing fuel prices. To identify a fuel-efficient car, you need to compare engine specifications. Here are some key factors to consider when comparing engine specs:
Engine Size
A fuel-efficient vehicle will typically have a smaller engine. Smaller engines consume less fuel, leading to improved fuel efficiency. However, it is important to note that engine size should be compared within the same category of vehicles, such as sedans or SUVs.
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics play a significant role in fuel efficiency. While you won't find 'aerodynamics' listed in the car specs, you can judge it by the size of the vehicle. Smaller cars generally have better aerodynamics as they present a smaller surface area for air to pass over, resulting in reduced fuel consumption.
Axle Ratio
The axle ratio is a critical factor influencing fuel efficiency. It refers to the number of times the driveshaft needs to turn to rotate the axle once. A lower axle ratio indicates a more fuel-efficient vehicle. For example, a car with an axle ratio of 3:1 or lower will be more fuel-efficient.
Vehicle Age
When comparing engine specs, consider the age of the vehicles. Manufacturers are continually improving fuel consumption in newer models, so a few years can make a noticeable difference. Newer cars are likely to be more fuel-efficient than older ones.
Maintenance History
If you're comparing used cars, remember that maintenance plays a significant role in fuel efficiency. A well-maintained used car is more likely to be fuel-efficient compared to one that has been neglected. Ask for the maintenance history to make an informed decision.
Fuel Consumption Figures
All manufacturers are required to display fuel consumption figures. You can find these on manufacturer websites or by inquiring with a dealer. Compare the average fuel consumption figures for similar vehicles in terms of size, weight, and engine capacity.
Additionally, you can utilise online tools and websites that allow you to compare multiple vehicles side by side, providing data on fuel consumption, emissions, and cost. Remember to consider your specific needs and priorities when making a purchase decision.
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$17.8
Vehicle weight
The relationship between weight and fuel efficiency is well-established. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tested a range of gasoline-powered passenger cars and trucks in 2023, finding that heavier vehicles tended to be less fuel-efficient. For example, the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring and the Toyota Camry LE/SE weigh about the same, but the Porsche gets 22 miles per gallon (mpg) while the Toyota gets 47 mpg. The Porsche's larger engine requires more energy, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.
The weight of vehicles has been increasing over time, even within the same class of vehicles. The average car in 2023 weighs 18% more than it did in the mid-1980s, and the average pickup truck gained 43% more weight in the same period. This is despite fuel efficiency standards set by the EPA in 1975. Manufacturers have found ways to meet efficiency standards while increasing vehicle weight, such as using lightweight materials like aluminum or magnesium.
Reducing vehicle weight is a key way to improve fuel efficiency. Lowering the weight of a vehicle can increase fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or safety. Advanced high-strength steels (AHSSs) and other lightweight materials can be used to reduce weight and improve fuel economy. According to industry guidelines, a 10% weight reduction in a light vehicle can result in a 6% improvement in fuel economy.
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Aerodynamics
The coefficient of drag, or Cd, is the figure published by car makers to indicate how efficient their vehicles are. A lower Cd means a more efficient vehicle. For example, a change in drag coefficient of 0.01 is approximately equal to an improvement in fuel economy of 0.1 mpg on the combined city/highway driving cycle for a full-size truck, and 0.2 mpg for a car.
There are several ways to improve the aerodynamics of your car. Firstly, if you have a roof rack, consider removing it when not in use. Similarly, if you have a pickup truck, installing a tonneau cover can improve aerodynamics and fuel economy. Lowering the ride height at speed can also result in a 3% improvement in drag. In addition, car makers have experimented with 'active' aerodynamic controls that operate as the speed increases, including lowering air dams, pop-up rear spoilers, and lowered ride height.
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Manufacturer figures
Fuel efficiency is a measure of the effort required to convert the chemical energy in fuel to the kinetic energy that moves a car. It is often referred to as fuel economy. The most fuel-efficient cars on the market today combine several factors, including engine type, vehicle weight, aerodynamics, and axle ratio.
Diesel engines are generally more efficient than petrol engines because they deliver more power output per tank of fuel. The weight of a vehicle also impacts fuel efficiency, as heavier cars use more fuel. Most manufacturers now use lightweight materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre, magnesium, and high-strength steel in their designs. Aerodynamic designs also improve fuel efficiency by allowing air to move past the vehicle with minimal resistance. Finally, a car with a smaller axle ratio will be more fuel-efficient.
When comparing manufacturer figures, it's important to make accurate comparisons by considering vehicles in the same category. For example, automatic vehicles typically use slightly more fuel than manual vehicles. It's also a good idea to consult a range of sources, including online resources, word-of-mouth, and vehicle experts, to get a well-rounded understanding of a car's fuel efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel efficiency is measured by the number of kilometres a car can go per litre of fuel. You can find this information on the manufacturer's website, but keep in mind that your fuel consumption may differ from the manufacturer's figure due to varying driving conditions and driving styles. To get a more accurate idea of a car's fuel efficiency, you can research and compare engine specs, seek out word-of-mouth reviews, and consult online resources and databases.
A car's fuel efficiency is influenced by its engine type, weight, aerodynamics, and axle ratio. Diesel engines are generally more efficient than petrol engines. Lighter vehicles with better aerodynamics tend to be more fuel-efficient as they require less energy to move. Properly maintained cars also tend to be more fuel-efficient.
To improve your car's fuel efficiency, you can reduce its weight by removing any unnecessary items. You can also minimise driving in stop-start traffic or congested areas, as this type of driving increases fuel consumption. Additionally, you can use lubricants to reduce friction and choose tyres that are designed for better fuel economy.
