It is a fact that engines need fuel to run but that does not mean you can’t achieve fuel-efficient driving, which can save you some money in fuel each year, improve road safety and prevent wear on your vehicle.
Use these fuel-efficient driving strategies to reduce your car’s fuel usage and emissions of carbon dioxide by up to 25 per cent.
Tire pressure: Ensure proper tire pressure as underinflated tyres provide more rolling resistance when driving, thereby increasing your car’s fuel consumption. This implies that your tyres will use more fuel because they will create greater rolling resistance and friction with each kilometre you go. Your tyres’ combined underinflated pressure of 10 psi may cause up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.
Remove extra weight: Remove unnecessary items from your trunk or back seat to reduce weight and improve your fuel efficiency. If you are among those with a habit of keeping everything and anything in the boot, in addition to emergency spares, think twice when loading up next time as every extra 50kg your car puts on increases fuel consumption by two per cent.
Drive with AC: Driving with the windows down at speeds faster than 80km/h causes a lot of wind resistance, and costs you a lot more fuel. Contrary to what you may think, in this situation, it’s simply more fuel efficient to drive with the aircon on.
Drive at moderate speed: When cruising down a highway, your engine works hard to overcome wind resistance. You’ll burn up to 15 per cent more fuel at 100 km/h and 25 per cent more at 110 km/h. That might tempt you to drive slow, but if you drive slower than 50 km/h, your engine would drop to a lower gear, thus using up more fuel. Therefore, a steady 50 – 90 km/h on the highway is best to achieve optimal fuel economy.
Avoid braking aggressively: Slamming on the brakes increases fuel consumption as you need to accelerate again later. This is especially true if you follow too closely behind the vehicle in front of you. Not to mention, tailgating is dangerous and something to avoid.
Cruise in top gear: If you’re driving an automatic car, make use of cruise control to keep your speed constant. And if you’re driving a manual car, maintain a higher gear when appropriate. In each of these instances, your engines go through less revolutions per minute (RPM) and will reduce your fuel consumption.
Practice predictive driving: Look to the road ahead and plan your next move. Instead of slamming on the brakes to a complete stop, try slowing down as you approach the red light. Or when reaching the foot of a hill, start accelerating as you edge closer to it rather than when you approach it. Avoid hard accelerations when moving your car from a complete stop, or climbing a hill as it will increase fuel consumption.
Plan your rush hour route: Stop-start traffic puts a lot of pressure on your engine, thus burns more fuel. When possible, plan your commute to and from work carefully to help you avoid the worst of peak traffic.
Don’t stay idle for long: If you are waiting for something or someone for more than three minutes, turn off your engine. You may not be moving but as long as your engine is on, it’s burning precious fuel.
On a last note!
And one last thing. The fuel economy of your engine may be maintained with routine auto maintenance. The parts of an engine cooperate closely. Poor maintenance will cause sludge and corrosion to accumulate between the components, which will hinder the engine’s ability to operate properly. Engine oils are essential for the same reason. Sludge can be eliminated, fuel efficiency may be increased, and engine friction can be decreased with the aid of a high-performance engine oil.
Also remember, even small changes in your driving habits can make a big difference in reducing your car’s fuel consumption!
