The Government has taken steps to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles sold in America by establishing some of the toughest fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles in U.S. history. These standards are expected to save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump and reduce carbon pollution by six billion metric tons. As part of the program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) developed a window sticker for new vehicles which allows consumers to compare conventional cars, hybrids and all electric vehicles by giving information on greenhouse gas ratings, emissions, smog ratings, and fuel costs. The new label came into effect for all 2013 model vehicles. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Fuel Economy
Ford C-Max Owners Reimbursed For Poor Mileage
Criticisms against the reported fuel economy on Fords C-Max hybrid vehicles has led the automobile manufacturer to restate the cars mileage ratings and issue special payments to people who bought the vehicle. Earlier this year, controversy over inaccurate fuel economy ratings led some manufacturers to suggest the problem is in how the government ratings are calculated. They say the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labels do not require separate fuel rating tests for vehicles that share the same engine, transmission and weight class, but because of things like aerodynamic design, the fuel economy is not always identical. The mileage can also be affected by driving habits and weather conditions. Continue reading
Are You Paying For Premium Grade Fuel?
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) say that the average price difference between premium and regular unleaded gasoline in the United States is approximately 30 cents per gallon. Drivers wanting to save money at the pumps will often choose to use regular fuel instead, but using a lower grade gasoline could cost you money. Continue reading
Lemon Alert! Dodge Ram Truck O2 Sensors
The job of an oxygen sensor in a vehicle is to compare the oxygen content coming out of the exhaust to the oxygen content in the exhaust stream. This helps the vehicle computer determine whether to enrich or lean the fuel mixture, allowing the catalytic converter to operate more efficiently and reduce emissions into the environment. Exhaust byproducts can often block the sensor’s element over time causing poor fuel economy and increased emissions. Continue reading
Overstated Auto Fuel Economy Ratings
Disputes regarding overstated fuel economy and driving range on fuel efficient and electric vehicles have consumer watchdogs disputing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tests. Consumers have always questioned the ratings posted on window stickers Continue reading
Auto Fuel Economy Ratings To Be Monitored More Closely
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is warning automobile manufacturers that they will begin monitoring fuel economy ratings more closely after complaints of overstated mileage claims. An investigation last November into inaccurate vehicle mileages Continue reading
New Safety Rules For Buses And Trucks
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) main function is to prevent injuries, deaths, and reduce expensive costs due to traffic accidents. Their mission also includes issuing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to contribute to energy security and address climate change. Continue reading
Hyundai Drivers Reimbursed For Lemon Gas Mileage
South Korean car maker, Hyundai, will be reimbursing 900,000 vehicle owners for inaccurate mileage estimates on certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles sold in the last two years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began an investigation and discovered the discrepancy after consumer complaints Continue reading
