Avoid buying a larger vehicle than necessary. Bigger vehicles tend to have larger, more powerful engines and can be less fuel-efficient. Try and stick to a car size that meets your everyday needs. This will help save you money on gas and reduce pollution at the same time.
Age Is Not Just A Number
When buying a new or used car, look for one of model year 2004 and newer. Vehicles 1995 model year and older produce on average 19 times more smog-forming emissions than 2004 and newer cars, as newer vehicles have improved technology that reduces smog-forming emissions.
Standard Or Manual?
When it comes to cost and fuel-efficiency, the type of transmission you choose is important. A manual transmission is usually more fuel-efficient than an automatic, assuming you shift properly. If you are planning on purchasing an automatic, it is better to go with a vehicle that has a lot of gears.
Consider All Of Your Options
There are various fuel alternatives out there. Look for vehicles that run on propane or natural gas as they are more cost-effective and produce less pollution. There are also hybrid vehicles, which run on high-powered batteries and an internal combustion engine causing less damage to the environment.
Need More Help?
The Retire Your Ride Carbon Calculator is an actionable tool that can help you make an environmentally responsible purchasing decision. The Carbon Calculator allows you to compare any model of car to see how it impacts the environment and your wallet. Try it at retireyourride.ca. You can read more about purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/choose_vehicle.cfm.
