In an era of increasing fuel prices, all drivers are more aware of the amount of fuel their car consumes. Just because you can’t get a real improvement doesn’t mean you need to buy more expensive aftermarket parts or do extensive work on your engine. There are some minor adjustments you can make to your driving and vehicle maintenance routine that can help you save a lot of fuel.
What is the benefit of fuel efficiency?Why is it important to have fuel efficiency?
Better fuel economy isn’t just about saving money at the pump. It also helps to protect the life of your engine, minimize carbon footprint, and prevent wear on critical parts such as your transmission and brakes. A mere 10-15% increase in mileage can save hundreds of dollars per year.
Basic maintenance practices that can make a difference.
Maintain the correct air pressure in tires.
Undersized tyres mean higher rolling resistance, putting strain on your engine. Test tire pressure at least once a month, and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (psi) usually on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Having the correct tire pressure increases fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Clean or replace air filters every three months.Change air filters every three months.
A dirty air filter will increase the engine’s fuel consumption because of the decreased airflow to the engine. It’s cheap and simple to replace a dirty filter, and can make a marked difference in combustion efficiency, but it only takes a few minutes.
Use the oil recommended by the manufacturer.
Do not use a higher grade oil, or a less expensive one, than recommended by your manufacturer, because it will cause greater lubrication losses at the points of contact in the engine. A number of today’s oils are also designated as “Energy Conserving” which is directly related to fuel economy.
There are several driving habits that can save gas.
Don’t over accelerate or brake.
Overtaking and stopping too quickly are bad for fuel consumption and damage to your car. Smooth, gradual acceleration will help your engine run more efficiently. Research indicates that aggressive driving may reduce fuel economy by up to 30% on freeways.
Drive for a set speed and steer clear of sudden stops or acceleration.
Cruise control on highways can help keep pace constant, thus saving fuel compared to increasing and decreasing speed. Fuel economy usually is best around 50-60 mph, and it decreases drastically at higher speeds.
Reduce Idling Time
Idle burning is burning that doesn’t move you. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, it’s more efficient to turn off the engine and restart it than to let it idle.
Eliminate excess weight and drag.
Clean out your trunk!
Extra weight in your car requires more energy to move. Taking unwanted items out of the trunk or back seat such as heavy tools or equipment that are not used on a daily basis can make a difference in saving on mileage.
Take off roof racks when they are not needed.Offload roof racks when not in use.
Roof racks and cargo boxes add drag to the system, particularly at highway speeds. If it’s not being used, remove it as it will add wind resistance.
Do not open windows on a moving vehicle.
When driving over 45 mph, open windows provide enough counteracting drag to negate the fuel savings to be gained by not using air conditioning. Instead rely on AC efficiently, particularly on the freeway.
Plan Smarter Trips
When possible, combine errands into one trip.
Several short trips consume more fuel than one long trip, because they are less efficient engines. When making multiple trips, make your walks on one trip to prevent multiple cold starts from the engine.
Avoid driving too slowly or too fast for the conditions.Do not drive too slowly or too fast.
Stop and go traffic consumes big amounts of fuel. A navigation program that considers current traffic conditions can help you stay out of traffic jams and maintain a smoother, more efficient pace while driving.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to take your car to the mechanic or spend a lot of money to make it more fuel-efficient. There are a number of things you can do to make good and significant reductions in your fuel costs and prolong the life of your car, if you make intelligent changes to your driving style, keep up to date with regular maintenance, and avoid unnecessary weight and drag. These little changes over time can make a significant difference.
