HOW TO SAVE FUEL - car advice collection

(fuel saving tips for drivers)

Petrol (or gasoline) and diesel prices are climbing all over the world and saving fuel and money goes hand-in-hand, that’s why drivers use various techniques to save fuel and lower driving expenses. Saving fuel is also better for the environment (lowering carbon dioxide emissions). There are several techniques to lower fuel consumption, several does not mean they’re difficult to manage. Actually, these techniques and tips can be easily incorporated in your daily motor rides.

1. ACCELERATE GENTLY

Driving unpredictably or aggressively can make your car to consume 60% more fuel. Maintain a steady speed (respecting speed limits of course) and use the highest gear possible for the wanted speed. Start rolling from traffic lights smoothly and don’t overtake unnecessarily (that’s also safer). Go easy on the accelerator wherever possible.Ensuring all acceleration is gentle is very important to fuel-efficient driving. By getting a good feeling for what will happen next, you won’t need to brake and speed up again as often as you would without thinking ahead.

2. PLAN YOUR TRIPS FOR EFFICIENCY

A cold engine uses much more fuel for the first few miles (or kilometers) so,the best is to combine (of course when possible) all the daily trips into one big trip. By having one longer trip, the engine can reach ideal working temperature. This way, it consumes less fuel than when you take several shorter trips. Walk, use a bicycle or a public transit for short and small errands!

3. AVOID CARRYING UNNECESSARY WEIGHT

Logically, the heavier your car, the more fuel it will consume to move. So only carry in your car what you need and remove all the things (weight) that you do not need. The lighter your car is, the more efficient it will be.

4. RESPECT THE SPEED LIMIT

Going faster is dangerous and increases fuel consumption because of tyre rolling resistance and air resistance.

5. CHECK YOUR TYRE PRESSURE

The lower the tyre pressure, the more fuel the car needs to move (your tires generate more friction and rolling resistance). Check your tyres periodically (every two weeks for example). Normally you can find the figures near the lock inside the driver’s door. It is important to make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure as indicated in your owner’s manual because underinflated and overinflated tyres both adversely affect fuel economy. Tyre pressures will vary depending on the load you are carrying (passengers+luggage). Incorrect tyre pressure can also reduce the life of your tyres. For accurate measurement check tyres when still cool.

6. TURN OFF THE AIRCONDITIONER

Airconditioning system uses a lot of fuel when on, so it’s more economical to save it for extreme temperatures. If you do use air conditioning, use the re-circulate option. It will minimize the impact.

7. KEEP YOUR WINDOWS CLOSED (streamline your vehicle)

When you’re on the motorway and moving quickly, the shape of your car is very important. Leaving the windows and sunroof open can have a bad effect on your car’s aerodynamic (it causes a lot of wind resistance). It’s better to use the air vents for most of the year, and the airconditioner when it gets too hot. This is not a big problem when you’re driving around town (lower speed limits).

8. REMOVE THE ROOD RACKS AND BOXES

If you don’t use or need them just remove them, because they can negatively affect your car’s aerodynamic (aerodynamic drag can increase fuel consumption) also they will be extra wight for your car.

9. SHIFT GEAR EARLIER (for manual transmission)

Try changing to the next upper gear (without labouring the engine) at an engine speed of around 2,000 rpm in a diesel car or 2,500 rpm in a petrol (gasoline) car. Driving in the highest possible gear for your vehicle (not engine labouring) while keeping within the speed is probably one of the biggest secrets to achieving fuel consumption effeciency. Learn to adjust your driving according to the road ahead and remember: The faster an engine spins, the more fuel it uses.

If you’re driving an automatic car, make use of cruise control to keep your speed constant.

10. ANTICIPATE TRAFFIC

Look ahead while you’re driving to see what is coming up. And keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you (tailgating is dangerous and something to avoid). By looking closely at what pedestrians and other cars are doing, and imagining what they’ll do next, you can keep your speed as steady as possible and use less fuel. It’s also safer to drive this way. Every time you brake, you waste your forward momentum. By looking ahead at how traffic is behaving, you can often see well in advance when it’s time to slow down. You will conserve fuel and save money by taking your foot off the accelerator and coasting to slow down instead of using your brakes. Map out your route, especially if it’s long. Listen to traffic reports and avoid accidents, road construction and other trouble spots. Avoid rush hour and traffic peaks when possible. Avoid roads that cut through major cities and are dotted with stoplights, intersections and pedestrians.Use multiple-lane highways when you can.

11. AVOID IDLING YOUR VEHICLE

Turn off your engine when you’re stopped for more than 60 seconds, except when in traffic. You may not be moving but as long as your engine is on, it’s burning fuel. Use stop-start system if your car is equipped with.

12. TRY CAR SHARING AND DRIVE LESS

Look for car share partners who have the same route or destination. There are apps and websites to organise (safely) car sharing rides and also to coordinate longer journeys. Work from home when you can. Every day you telecommute reduces the amount of fuel you use.

13. KEEP YOUR VEHICLE WELL MAINTAINED

Make sure to keep your vehicle maintained and up to date with regular servicing will improve the efficiency of your vehicle, and therefore will improve your fuel consumption. Regular servicing can improve your Miles per gallon (or kilometer per liter) and can help you run a more efficient engine. This is because services tend to checks parts like the spark plugs (for petrol/gasoline engines), engine oil levels and filters, and changes them if required. use correct engine oil also. If poorly maintained, sludge and corrosion will build-up between the parts making it difficult for the engine to work smoothly.