There are also many options to consider when purchasing a vehicle. These conveniences and accessories not only cost you when you purchase, but can also make a big difference on your fuel economy.

Fuel Savers

• Manual Transmission: is lighter, and allows you to shift gears more efficiently, saving approximately 10% in overall fuel economy!
• Continuously Variable Transmission: 8-10% more efficient than a standard automatic transmission.
• Cruise Control: helps you drive smoothly and can eliminate inadvertent speeding, which reduces fuel economy.
• Aerodynamic Design: reduces drag, especially at highway speeds.
• Tinted Glass: reduces the need for air conditioning.
• Trip Computer or Fuel Efficiency Display: allows you to know your real-time fuel efficiency and improve your fuel saving habits.

Gas Guzzlers

• A larger engine consumes more fuel and increases the weight of your vehicle.
• 4 Wheel or All Wheel Drive significantly increases fuel use and add more weight as well. This option could cost you 5 to 10%. Full time all wheel drive is the least fuel efficient choice because all 4 wheels are being driven all the time.
• Power Options that draw electrical power continuously such as heated seats, increase your fuel consumption. These accessories draw extra power from the alternator which, in turn, draws extra power from the engine.
• Other power options like power windows, seats, and sunroofs do not draw much power since they only operate briefly, however they add weight in the form of motors and controls that will affect your fuel consumption. Power seats alone can add 40 to 60 kilograms of weight and be a 2 to 3 % fuel consumption penalty.