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Fuel prices are going up & we can’t do anything about it though we can offer you few tips on how you can increase your car's fuel economy. In spite of Keeping your car in good shape, lots depend that how you drive, which means to get better fuel efficiency is to modify your driving habits. Following tips on fuel-efficient driving will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants but could save you on fuel costs, improve road safety and prevent wear on your vehicle.
1. Maintain Tyre pressure
Keeping the tyre pressure on makes a huge difference it can also reduce the life of your tires by more than 10,000 kilometres. Always drive the car with the manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels. Reduced tyre pressure means increased contact area between the tyre and the road hence friction between the rubber of the tyre and the road increases, resulting in higher fuel consumption. However, over-inflated tyres will mean lower consumption, but at the cost of grip and ability to disperse water on the road.
Make sure the tyres are inflated at the manufacturer recommended levels and do check tyre pressure once every week. A car without proper tyre pressure will return almost 10-15 % per cent less fuel efficiency.
2. Avoid Aggressive Driving
Quick acceleration and sudden brakes might be fun for many but it harms your vehicle's fuel efficiency. The harder the accelerator is pressed the more fuel is used. So, accelerate and apply the brakes gently
3. Map out your route
Before you start your trip check out the available route which has fewer stoppages. Various navigation apps are available on smartphones that not only suggest alternate routes when traffic is heavy on your route but also gives information on traffic conditions, expected time of arrival, accidents, road construction and other trouble spots.
An ETA time will let you plan how to manoeuvre and avoid unnecessary acceleration, speed and braking. You can early spot traffic signals, traffic jam, road closures etc. so you can get off the throttle and allow the vehicle to coast to a stop rather than braking hard at the last minute. Navigation Apps also suggest a longer route sometimes due to heavy traffic on road but don’t mind taking a couple of extra kilometres vs a congested city road. You will still save on fuel
4. Avoid idling your vehicle
Turn off your engine when you’re stopped for more than a minute. An idling car burns fuel without really going anywhere.
5. Drive in all geared up
Always drive the car in the highest possible gear without the engine knocking. A car consumes more fuel in lower gears when accelerating.
6. Don’t carry unnecessary weight
Don’t carry unnecessary items in your car. Keep the boot with only the most required items. The heavier the car, the greater will be its thirst.
7. Keep The Windows Shut
Whenever possible keep the window closed. Rolling down the windows might not always be the most efficient way to drive your car. So at a speed above 50 kmph opening the windows will reduce your car’s fuel efficiency because of the wind blast that will come in from open windows & hamper the aerodynamics of your car. This will burn more fuel as it puts more stress on the engine at high speeds
8. Keep it clean
Don't drive your car with dirty or clogged filters. The air filter & the oil filter should be cleaned or replaced. Well maintained and regular service engines consume less fuel, so don't ignore the scheduled services.
9. Use air conditioning sparingly
Air conditioning can increase a vehicle’s fuel consumption by as much as 20%~25%. Whenever possible open the windows.
10. Avoid high speeds
The car gives good mileage when it is driven between 50 and 80 km per hour. Keep to the speed limit and save on fuel.
Some more,
Use the Cruise Control. It can save fuel by helping your car maintain a steady speed
Fill good quality fuel. Adulterated fuel not only lowers the fuel efficiency but also harms the engine
Walk to your destination. You will use no fuel and have a healthier lifestyle
Use public transport
Joining a carpool will not only save fuel but also avoid emitting tonnes of air pollutants a year
Work from home when you can
Hope you find these tips helpful. Do mail us at contact@autopunditz.com for suggestion/comments and feedback. This will help us to serve you better.
Happy Driving!