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hybrid carWhile gas prices have declined from the heights they were during 2008, it is unlikely that they will continue on their downward spiral. Most places will see prices falling but then stabilizing at a higher level than before they rocketed last year. What does this mean for drivers?

In the past few months, the combination of lower gas prices and rock bottom prices on trucks and SUVs has seen an increase in the purchasing of these larger vehicles. Due to car manufacturers having a large stock of unsold vehicles, they have, and still are, offering amazing deals on their bigger vehicles. With the end of the recession upon us, many people feel a lot more comfortable with the money in their pocket, and these deals are too good to be true. Really, are they sheep disguised in wolves clothing? Is the fact that the vehicles are priced so low a good enough reason to purchase them over more fuel efficient ones?

Gas prices will continue to fluctuate and are likely to keep rising, albeit not as sharply as seen last year. When it comes time to purchase a new vehicle, there are a number of factors that should be weighed, including its cost and fuel efficiency. The fuel efficiency of the vehicle you purchase can save, or cost, you money of the time you own and run your car. So what is fuel efficiency and why is it important?

For most vehicles, fuel efficiency refers to how well your car or truck uses the gas or diesel you put into it, or how many miles per gallon of fuel you can travel. A number of different properties of the vehicle work together to effect fuel efficiency, including the engine, the weight of the vehicle and drag, or air resistance. The more fuel efficient your vehicle, the less gas or diesel you use, thus saving you money.

While hybrids and the most fuel efficient vehicles often have the highest price tags in their class, they also deliver the highest fuel economy. Consumer Reports has found that they can save you anywhere from $500 to over $4,000 after only one year. This is without including any tax credits offered by State and Federal governments. While the initial outlay may be higher, the combination of savings and tax credits may end up in you saving money. It is important to remember that not all hybrids fall into this class and to do your research carefully. Some larger hybrid SUVs are significantly more expensive than non-hybrids, meaning you may not make up the difference in the long run.

Finally, not only are you helping your wallet with a more fuel efficient vehicle, you are also helping the environment. Fuel efficient cars and trucks release a lot less pollution. In particular, because they are burning a lot less gas or diesel, if any at all, they are releasing that much less greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.



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