| Improving the fuel efficiency of vehicles is a key topic in the minds of consumers and manufactures, especially with high rising oil prices.
While auto companies make progress in technology, there are quite a number of things that any driver can employ to achieve easily by themselves.
By far the most important factor in the reduction of fuel consumption is the driver, The rule is simple: slowdown, take it easy and follow some of other tips. |
| Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel compared with conservative driving. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard, and try to keep the steering action as smooth as possible. |
| The higher the gear, the lower the engine speed. This can improve fuel efficiency, so use the highest gear appropriate, without causing the engine to labor at an ultra-low rpm. Automatic transmission vehicles will upshift through the gears more quickly and smoothly if the driver eases back slightly on the accelerator when the car has gathered sufficient momentum. |
| Tune and service the engine |
| A well-tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to 4 percent. Change the oil and always follow the car manufacture’s recommendation on servicing. |
| Keep the tires at the correct pressure |
| Correctly inflated tires are safer and last longer, and they also reduce the amount of energy required to keep the vehicle rolling. A tire that is underinflated by just 1 psi can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 3 percent. |
| Avoid carrying excess weight |
For every extra 45 kilograms carried in a vehicle, the fuel efficiency can drop by 2 percent, So keep the trunk and rear seat clear of any unnecessary
items that just add weight to the vehicle.
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| If the roof rack or roof bars are not being used, remove them. They adversely affect the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle and create drag, reducing fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. |
| Use the correct engine oil |
| Always use the recommended grade of engine oil. Using the manufacture’s recommended lubricant can improve fuel efficiency by 1 percent of 2 percent. Higher-quality engine oil can also help your engine operate more efficiently |
| Idling gets a vehicle nowhere, but still burn fuel. Turn the engine off when you’re waiting for someone, until you need a drive. |
| The faster you travel, the more wind resistance you’ll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume just to maintain speed. Driving just 8 km h over the speed limit can affect fuel economy by up to 23 percent. |
| Leaving a sensible distance between your car and the vehicle in front gives the driver ample time to anticipate obstacles and to break evenly |
| Use air conditioning sparingly |
| Air conditioning puts added strain on the engine and use additional fuel when operating, So limit its use to particularly hot days. On temperate days, use the fan instead of air conditioning |
| The air filter keeps impurities from damaging your engine. Replacing a clogged filter can improve fuel economy by as much as 10 percent while helping to protect your engine. |
| Avoid rush hour or traffic jam hotspots |
| If you can travel outside of peak times and avoid known areas of heavy traffic, thus consuming less fuel. |
| Think ahead when driving. For example, slow down early to let red traffic lights change to green, rather than stopping completely. Also, speed up a little before reaching the start of a hill and them allow the vehicle’s momentum to carry the vehicle up the hill without working the engine harder. |
| When drivers are not calm, they are more likely to make judgment errors. Fuel efficiency is all about smoothness. Judgment and keeping calm are absolutely crucial to achieving better fuel economy. |
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