The Advantages of Smaller Vehicles

The Advantages of Smaller Vehicles

It takes more effort to move heavier objects; this is a fundamental fact that every person becomes aware of early on in life. This is the same reason that bodybuilders lift massive weights to build huge muscles and why large tractor trailers are as big and overstated as they are. The more you need to move the more power you need to do it.

However, this need is overshadowed by the capability of today’s automobiles. Cars are big and more powerful; trucks can haul and move more and SUVs can carry more people comfortably. Each different vehicle has been designed to fill a different need, and chances are that you are driving a vehicle that is over filling yours.

Only Drive What You Need

If you are single why do you need to buy a SUV? Chances are that you have no use for the utility, off-road abilities and storage and when do you ever plan on hauling eight people around? The gas guzzler might look great but the reality is that it is simply more than you need.

The same can be said for sports cars, trucks, and mini-vans; unless you need to own them, why spend the extra money on gas every single day?

A smaller vehicle weighs less, and the end result of this weight difference is that a smaller vehicle will use less gas than a larger one. A Honda Civic, for example, achieves stellar fuel economy ratings and impressive performance in both its coupe and sedan model. In fact, the Civic gets nearly 35% better mileage than an Impala V8 or Crown Victoria. It does the same job, has similar performance, and attains higher fuel economy.

Smaller vehicles, such as the Civic, are able to act like larger ones thanks to innovations in engines and drive trains, space management, and materials. The Civic employs a legendary high revving four cylinder engine that is capable of achieving up to 197 horsepower (which is similar to what most V6 engines create), yet it is tame enough to drive daily with excellent mileage. It also employs lightweight materials, such as high quality plastics and aluminum and the cabin is specifically designed to fit the largest amount of people and items into the least amount of space.

Basic Math

If your engine has to work harder to move a heavier vehicle the end result is that it has to burn more gas. More gas burned equals poorer fuel economy.

Perhaps you need to really assess what your needs are and whether or not you need a large car, truck, van or SUV. Unless you have a family of six, a construction business or live in the woods, do you really need that SUV, van or truck?

Drive a Motorcycle

Transportation and Fuel Economy – Drive a Motorcycle

My wife would hate for me to say this, but owning and driving a motorcycle can be one of the most entertaining things that a person can do. Motorcycles are fast, lightweight, efficient machines that, along with quite economical, are a whole lot of fun.

There are three basic types of motorcycles.

Sports bike: such as a Kawasaki Ninja, is a bike that has been designed with high performance in mind. These bikes are generally incredibly lightweight, powerful, and blisteringly fast. These machines rocket from 0-60 faster than all but the fastest and most powerful sports cars and their ability to handle and stop are second to none. These bikes also have the advantage of being much more fuel efficient than any type of automobile, as the engine only has to move 600 pounds instead of 3,000 pounds.

Cruiser: such as a Harley Davidson, is a bike that has been designed with long distance travel in mind. These bikes are more comfortable to ride when compared to sport bikes and though they share many of the same advantages (low weight, powerful engines, etc.) they are not as fast or as economical. However, the vast majority of them are still more economical than your car, plus they can be a heck of a lot of fun to drive when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing.

Chopper: such as the bikes produced on the hit television series, Orange Country Choppers, is an artistic statement. These bikes are the hot rods of motorcycles, often featuring wild paint schemes, massive rims and tires, and an assortment of modifications which make the motorcycle unique to the driver.

Dollars and Cents – Why They Save You Money

Motorcycles cost less to insure than most automobiles due to the fact that they are much less likely to cause large amounts of damage in an accident situation. Though you, the driver, are not as protected as you would be in a car or truck, you are still less of a risk when on the road than if you were behind the wheel of a typical sized car.

Motorcycles also save on fuel, as their light weight makes them easier for the engine to propel you and keep you traveling. A 160 horsepower engine moving a 4,000 pound car will have to use much more fuel than a 160 horsepower engine moving a 500 pound motorcycle and rider combined.

At the end of the day, it comes down to pure physics; the lower the weight, the less effort required to do the work.

Pennies Turning Into Dollars

Pennies Turning Into Dollars – The Real Deal Behind Price Shock

The world is changing.

Every time you fill up your vehicle you are painfully reminded that the world as you know it is changing. Gas has doubled in price over the last five years and it is showing no signs of dropping back down. For the average consumer, this means scrimping and saving in other areas.

As prices climb, many consumers have made the commitment to move away from large cars and trucks and instead are beginning to accept the idea of smaller, more efficient vehicles. This shift has created a market for small trucks like the Honda Ridgeline and Chevrolet Colorado, other markets, especially compact cars, have seen a substantial increase in demand too.

Small Cars

Small cars have always been known for being more efficient compared to their larger brethren and the primary formula that most car makers have followed is a small, lightweight car with an efficient engine and a front-wheel drive power train. This keeps the weight down and utilizing a front wheel drive power train minimizes drive train loss in the mechanical system.

Recent additions to the small car segment are micro-compact cars, such as the Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris. These vehicles exemplify the progress that has been made since the first small cars were introduced, as they are more space efficient, safe and comfortable than ever before. With the massive success in this segment all the major manufacturers are jumping in with offers of their own.

Looking for an efficient and unique vehicle?

Try a Smart Car.

A Smart Car’s super-economical three cylinder direct injection diesel engine is able to attain over 60 miles per gallon on a consistent basis.

SUVs, Trucks, and Mini-Vans

Traditionally, these vehicles have been quite large and heavy. Most North American trucks were sold with big bore V8s and SUVs, like the Tahoe and Escalade, showcased North America’s obsession with large over the top vehicles.

However, recent shifts in consumer interest have created many changes in the utility segment and a new type of vehicle has been created as a result. The CUV, or Crossover Utility Vehicle, is a SUV-like vehicle that is based on a car chassis. These vehicles are more efficient than SUVs and they offer more competitive fuel economy.

The Real Deal

Regardless of the type of vehicle that you own, there is only one way to significantly reduce your gas expenditure; reduce the amount that you drive. Start biking and walking to close destinations and leave the keys at home when you can get there via other more efficient means.

Want to Save Gas?

Want to Save Gas? Stop Driving

Everyone seems to be complaining about the massive increase in the cost of gas, yet these people still all continue to drive as much as ever. The fact remains that oil and gas companies are well aware that everyone will continue to purchase their fuels, as people still need a reliable way to get from place to place, and unfortunately, 99.9% of the vehicles these people use run on some form of fossil fuel.

So long as you continue to drive, you will. Begrudgingly, purchase fuel to power your chariot of choice.

This is a fact, and it is indisputable.

Had Enough? Do Something about It

Most people live in urban environments and most large communities and cities have some form of central transit available. Thousands of people use public transportation every day, and as difficult as it sounds, you may find yourself joining them if you are having a hard time coping with your increased driving expenses.

You don’t have to stop driving entirely to make a difference and you don’t even have to reduce your driving to make a point to the gas companies. The reality is that saving money falls on your shoulders and the only significant way to do that is to simply reduce how much you consume.

You can do this in a variety of ways:

1. Purchase a vehicle which consumes less fuel. This is usually the first step that people take, as many people refuse to accept the idea that they may have to drive less to save on costs. This is a good option for you if you have absolutely no alternative to an automobile. However, you will still have to put gas into your vehicle on a regular basis, and you may find yourself actually driving more because you may feel that the expense is no longer a deterrent.

2. Buy a small motorcycle or scooter. Both of these vehicles are smaller than even the most compact car and this means that it takes less effort to move them. Because of this, they are quite fuel efficient and are an absolute blast to drive. Look into one if you want a way to cheaply get around without having to haul people or cargo.

3. Reduce your driving. This is the only option that significantly reduces how much you will spend on gas simply because it reduces how much you are consuming. Driving less means that you are burning less fuel and that means that you are filling up less frequently.

It is understandable to not want to stop driving entirely, as everyone needs a way to get from place to place. However, the only way to save money on your smoking habit is to stop smoking and the only way to save on how much you are spending at the pump is to stop driving.