Due to inadequate supply of gas in the world market that is caused by its increasing demand, gas prices continue to increase up to the point the consumers are now very cautious in their buying decisions just to minimize gas usage. And because the auto industry does not want to loose profits, it abundantly supplies the public with pieces of fuel economy advice who want to save a few dollars at the gas pumping station. Most of the time, drivers are advised to increase their vehicles' fuel economy by minimizing the use of air conditioning, regularly changing the filters, periodically checking tire pressure, keeping fuel injectors clean, and using a fuel additive to increase the performance of the engine.
But are the consumers really using these tips to save money at the pump?
A recent Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research study on fuel economy revealed that 6 out of 10 consumers respond they would be likely to alter their filters at scheduled intervals and/or check their tire pressure periodically in order to achieve greater fuel economy or save money. Moreover, 7 (68 percent) out of 10 consumers say that they would save up to $200 annually by following some or all of the suggested gas-saving maintenance tips to their car.
According to Jack Nerad, the executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, prices of gas have now reached the points where consumers are forced to take steps which they may not have when these prices were relatively lower to enhance fuel economy and save little money. He said that if the heavily burdened consumers actually perform all the recommended tips for economizing gas, most probably they could save up to 15 or 20 percent of their entire yearly fuel costs.
On the result of the study, however, only very few or 23 percent say that they would be willing to lessen the use of air conditioning. Even few (17 percent) say that they would be willing to regularly clean their vehicles' fuel injectors as well as to use a fuel additive in each fill-up to improve engine performance (5 percent).
Twenty-six (26) percent or more than a quarter says that in order to achieve greater fuel economy or save money, they would employ all the recommended fuel-saving tips from Kelley Blue Book; while only 5 percent say they would do none.
In order to improve their fuel economy or monetary situation, 69 percent of the respondents are likely to change the vehicle they drive. Twenty-two (22) percent respond that they would purchase a hybrid version of a vehicle they already have. Some (14 percent) say they would acquire a vehicle with a smaller engine or an engine with less power (because smaller or less performing engines require only few amounts of fuel). Twelve percent say they would purchase a diesel vehicle, while 31 percent say they would not change their next vehicle to improve fuel economy.
In its second generation now, the Toyota Prius is approaching its fifth model year and it still dominates the hybrid market. But this does not make the Prius belong to the Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com Editors' Top Picks for Best Fuel-Efficient Vehicles due to the car's unfitness to every lifestyle. The list is composed of fuel-efficient favorites filled with something for consumer.
Jack Nerad, the executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, said that they certainly think that today and tomorrow's market has and will still have an important place for the hybrid vehicles. He added that the present market offers a wide array of vehicles that both satisfy the individuals' needs and provide really excellent fuel efficiency.
The Blue Book list includes the editors' top choices which include Honda Civic Hybrid (small sedan category), Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (luxury sedan), Nissan Altima Hybrid (mid-size sedan), Toyota Tacoma (compact pick up), Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra that is packed with (full-size pick up), Audi TT (coupe), Ford Escape Hybrid (small SUV), Toyota Highlander Hybrid (mid-size SUV), GMC Acadia (large SUV), Mazda MX-5 (convertible), Honda Odyssey (minivan), MINI Cooper (hatchback), and the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe (wagon).
About Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, has been providing buyers and seller of vehicles with the new and used vehicle information since 1926. Its top website, kbb.com, gives the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which uncovers what people actually are paying for new cars. In every three American car buyers, a single one performs their research on kbb.com.
