With vehicle emissions a hot topic and budgets strained by the cost of gas, fuel economy has become increasingly important. Many car buyers wonder how to find a fuel-efficient vehicle that suits their needs. Here is a process for finding a fuel-saving vehicle and still getting what you need out of your next vehicle purchase.

Choose a Suitable Vehicle

To make the most fuel-efficient choice, consider what the smallest vehicle is that suits your needs, advises Energywise. A compact car can offer great fuel economy, but if you work out in the country, chances are you need a pickup, and if you have several kids to haul to soccer practice, you may need a van or small SUV.

Once you determine what type of vehicle you really need (sedan, compact, SUV, pickup) look at what the smallest vehicles are in that category.

Consider Hybrids and Electric Cars

Electric cars give you the best efficiency. But when driving long distances, charging becomes an issue. Also, the cost of electric cars may be out of your price range.

Hybrids are great because they solve a lot of the issue with charging, but they can be cost prohibitive. If they are in your price range and will work for you in a suitable vehicle, electric and hybrid vehicles offer incredible fuel economy.

Fuel Efficiency

Once you have determined the type of vehicle you want, look for the best fuel economy in its class. Remember: not all cars have better fuel economy just because they are smaller. The fuel-economy ratings indicate what you can expect under average conditions.

Fuel efficiency ratings are an average because environmental factors, such as hills and mountains, high or low temperatures, and altitude affect fuel economy.

Driving habits also play a big role. Drivers who routinely exceed the speed limit, are prone to hard braking and aggressive acceleration, and who put off maintenance—like oil changes and refilling the tires—always end up with fuel economy much lower than their vehicles average.

Get Rid of a Junker

The fastest way to become more fuel efficient is to get out of an old car and into a new, fuel-efficient model. Older cars don’t have today’s technology, so their fuel ratings (when they were new) are much lower than today’s options.

Also, as the parts in older cars wear out, their fuel economy slips because the cars have to work harder to maintain the same performance level.

Oftentimes, the best way to get rid of an old car is to sell it for cash to a self-serve used auto parts shop that tows your car from home, such as U Pull & Pay.

With carbon emission awareness on the rise and gas often costing an arm and a leg, finding the right fuel-efficient vehicle helps the environment and your pocketbook.