The Benefits of Owning a Sports Utility Vehicle

Morgan Martin

Liberty University Education APA format

Abstract

"Did My Car Join Al Qaeda" by Woody Hochswender is a well written persuasive argument that

powerfully portrays his point of view. All three types of appeals are presented within the essay to

attract all different styles of readers. Hochswender starts the essay with an ethical or ethos

appeal, “I drive a large, for-wheel vehicle. Does that mean I’m a bad person” (Muller & Wiener,

2009, pg. 154). It is quite obvious that Mr. Hochswender has received cruel comments about

owning an SUV since he is considering himself a bad person for possessing a particular type of

vehicle. Although some people do not agree with Hochswender choice of owning an SUV he is

very passionate and vibrant in his view about his rights to own an SUV. He then goes on to

explain logical or logos by explaining how in many situations SUVs are safer than normal cars,

“However, if some drunken driver veers across the center divider- a situation I have no control

over- I would prefer that my 9-year-old and I not be inside a Corolla.”(Muller & Wiener, 2009,

pg. 155) Even though SUVs waste a lot more money on gas, in the event of an accident the

chances of survival in an SUV would be much more than a small car. He then concludes the

essay by explaining how he does know of other way to conserve energy, but the safety of him

and his family is prioritized above buying a new heat and air-conditioning.

Many car buyers are choosing to trade in cargo space for fuel by purchasing a smaller

vehicle. “Did My Car Join Al Qaeda” by Woddy Hochswender is a very well written persuasive

argument that powerfully portrays his point of view. U.S Energy Information Administration

analyses the use of Americans gasoline, and in a recent study it shows that Americans consume

the most gasoline across the world. “In 2013, about 134.51 billion gallons (or 2.30 billion

barrels) of gasoline were consumed in the United States, a daily average of about 368.51 million

gallons (or 8.77 million barrels).” Hochswender starts off the essay by comparing the oil

consumption in America to supporting terrorism in the Middle East. This should drawl in many

readers who are passionate about their country. In many cases, raising fuel prices has

discouraged many drivers to not buy big cars that require a lot of fuel. Using too much fuel is

one major problem America is facing today, but studies have shown that there are other ways to

worry about conserving fuel rather than agonizing over the car that you drive. Although some

people do not agree with Hochswender choice of owning an SUV he is very passionate and

vibrant in his view about his rights to own an SUV. When purchasing the appropriate vehicle for

your family, it is important to consider cargo space, safety, gas mileage, passenger room and

handling.

Safety is the most important aspect while driving. In many cases owning an SUV

depends on the size of your family. If you have a larger family SUVs are typically a good buy

because they offer more room for seating. Having the appropriate amounts of seats in a car is

very important. Each passenger should be properly buckled in. It is not required, in some states,

that people in the back seat buckle up, but a smart driver should make sure each passenger is

properly secured before driving away. Over the past year one of my best friends was driving

home from a movie on a late Friday night and a drunk driver swerved over and hit her head on.

The doctors said she would have had a better chance of survival if she had been wearing her

seatbelt. This accident hit me hard, I lost one of my best friends because she had made the

careless mistake of not wearing a seatbelt. It only takes 5 seconds to snap in your seatbelt, so

think smart and make the decision to click it in before it is too late.

Having a lot of cargo space makes it easy to go on vacation with out worrying about how

many bags each person can bring. SUVs can carry a big item or they can carry many small items

without having to worry about the items being exposed in the back of a pick up truck. Many

SUVs have seats that are removable, or seats that can slide under which offers a lot more storage

space. You do not have to acquire a big family to own an SUV. It does not matter how big or

small your family is, owing an SUV is a safe way to travel.

Gas mileage is a top reason why many people contemplate on purchasing an SUV. SUVs

acquire more fuel than smaller cars because they are heavier and less aero dynamic. They tend to

burn more gas than regular cars because of the engine, the size, and the weight. The bigger the

car is the more power it is going to acquire, and the more power a car acquires the more gasoline

it will demand. Although gas prices for SUVs are high, overall it is worth it. If you take proper

care of the car you can reduce the amount you spend on gas drastically. Setting your car to cruise

control can help save a few extra dollars at the gas pump. According to the Environmental

Protection Agency driving over 55 miles per hour will make your fuel drop significantly.

Although going over the speed limit will get you where you need to be quicker, drivers need to

realize this is hazardous and also wasting gas. Setting your car on cruise control can help

eliminate speeding tickets, help save gas, and help drivers stay alert and drive safely. As

ridiculous as it sounds keeping your tires at the right pressure can also help save a few extra

dollars in gas. If your tires have low air pressure you are reducing the fuel efficiency of your car

by at least 6%. If your tires are low on air pressure your vehicle is requiring more energy and force to move the weight of the vehicle. Keeping an SUV well taken care of and properly

maintenance can help drivers safe more fuel.

Usually long car rides are far from enjoyable, but now SUVs have cool features like

DVD players, HD radio, and a spot on navigation system. If you are anything like me you like to

have your own space in the car, especially on long trips. SUVs have three rows, which allows

you to relax more and enjoy space to yourself. SUVs are not only comfortable for the

passengers; they benefit the driver as well. With the built in navigation system you can relax and

listen to your music without constantly looking over at a map to help you find your next turn.

It is critical to choose a vehicle that is going to accurately suit your families needs. You

should not let others pursue your decision with purchasing an SUV. Do your own personal

research and find out what is best for you and your family. It is important to keep in mind that

your safety comes first while driving and having a vehicle that would protect you and your

family in the event of an accident is critical. Whether or not your motive for owning an SUV is

valid or not, if you want to drive, and have the money to drive an SUV, than it should be the car

your purchase.

References

Muller, G.H., & Wiener, H. S (2009). To the point, Reading and writing short arguments (2nd ed.). (2009). New York, NY: Person Education, INC

Adam Sieminski (July 14, 2014). U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved from http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=23&t=10

Christine Harrell (2014). Considering a Used SUV? How to significantly Reduce Fuel

Cost. Retrieved from http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide

Can Tran (April 2, 2007). Why SUVs burn more Gas than Cars. Retrieved from

http://www.autohub360.com/index.php/why-suvs-burn-more-gas-than-cars-4-12043

Dale Wickell (2014). 5 Reasons Why People Buy Sport Utility Vehicles. Retrieved from

http://trucks.about.com/cs/suvreviews/a/suv_5reasons.htm

Outline

Thesis Statement: When purchasing the appropriate vehicle for

your family, it is important to consider cargo space, safety, gas mileage, passenger room and

handling.

1. Cargo Space in SUVs

1. Easier to travel

2. SUVs can carry big or small items.

3. Seats are removable or can compact.

2. Safety

1. Always have enough seats

2. It is important to insure that all passengers are buckled

3. SUVs are good in bad weather such as ice, snow or rain.

4. In the event of an accident SUVs are big and would be able to better secure your family.

3. Gas Mileage

1. Top Reason people contemplate on buying an SUV

2. Bigger cars waste more gas

3. There are ways to prevent wasting gas

1. Cruise control

2. Tire Pressure

3. Properly maintaining your car

4. Passenger Room and Handling

1. SUVS have nice features

2. More enjoyable car rides

3. Both the passenger and driver will be confortable