Table of Contents
Introduction
Driving a car is fun and moreover, it is convenient. However, a car is not only toxic for the environment but starting from buying one to using and maintaining it regularly is equivalent to having a pet elephant. It is tremendously expensive. Living in certain areas, there may be very few alternatives to using a car, but you sure can use some tricks to save up on fuel!
Cutting down on fuel is as good for your bank balance as it is for the environment. Further, fuel-efficiency will make your engine last longer as well so you can use the same car for a long while maintaining it in good condition. Most importantly, fuel cutting solutions will keep you safe on the road. Here in this article, we have jotted down a few of them so you are better prepared the next time you hit the road with your car.
What Are The Best Ways To Save Fuel While Driving
If anything, the only potential side-effects for fuel-efficiency are that you will drive slow, drive less, and drive carefully while planning out some moves ahead. Although looking at the bigger picture, these are actually what will keep you and everyone around you safe, so maybe the downside is only from a particular perspective. Below are the ways you can effectively conserve your fuel.
Drive slow
Driving slowly not only saves fuel, but it also saves the environment. Study shows you can save up to 50% fuel by lowering your speed to 88km/h from 120km/h. A car running fast also emits more hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides which have terrible effects on the environment.
Accelerate And Decelerate Slower
- When you accelerate too fast or push the brake suddenly, you waste fuel. Slower acceleration controls the revolutions per minute, keeping them within the recommended limit. As a result, you save fuel.
- When you push the brakes suddenly, the power to stop the car comes from heating which, in turn, comes from burning your fuel. To avoid this to save on fuel.
- Try to coast wherever possible. This not only uses much less fuel, but you can also stop the car if necessary more smoothly. Consequently, you stay safer on the road as well.
Drive Smoothly
Drive smoothly maintaining a steady speed if you want less fuel consumption. Too many abrupt shifts between gears waste a lot of fuel. Utilize cruise control of your car if you have got one.
Lower The Idle Time
It is a myth that keeping your car idle saves you fuel. Fuel consumption is much less if you have to start your car rather than keeping your car on idle. Switch off the engine if you have to wait for a long period, if it is safe to do so, of course.
Avoid Traffic As Much As Possible
This is probably a given, but moving at a minute speed for a long time burns a hole through your fuel tank. So try to keep away from peak hours and heavy traffic wherever possible.
Be More Aerodynamic
Wind resistance increases fuel consumption. Try being more aerodynamic by-
- Keeping your windows closed at higher speed
- Minimizing the use of roof racks
Keep Your Car Light
A lighter car consumes less fuel.
- While buying, try picking a lighter option,
- Do not carry heavy objects in the boot unnecessarily,
- Carry fewer passengers
- If you have multiple cars, drive the smaller one.
Go Low On The Ac
If possible, avoid the air conditioner completely. It stresses your engine out and boosts up your fuel consumption heavily, especially at lower speeds.
Keep Your Car Well-Maintained
Keeping your car in good shape helps a lot with reducing the fuel use.
- Look after your tyres: Tyres are the legs of your car. Believe it or not, leakage in your tyre amounts to more fuel consumption. Keep a regular check on the tyre pressure and inflate them slightly higher (2-3 psi) than instructed in the manual to reduce fuel intake and incorporate safe handling.
- Check wheel alignment and brakes: Routinely check the wheel alignment and if the brakes are dragging or not. Both of these increase rolling resistance and chew up more fuel.
- Make a habit of car servicing: Get your car service systematically, as mentioned in the manufacturer’s handbook. Also, keep it well-tuned. This will not only keep your fuel in check but also keep you safe.
Give Preference To A Manual Car
Automatic cars are known to use 10-15% more fuel than a manual alternative. If possible, preferably drive a manual car if you wish to save on fuel.
Maintain A Healthy Scepticism For Fuel-Efficiency Devices
There are many devices found in the market claiming to cut down fuel by a huge amount and enhance the efficiency of your car. Most are hoaxes and have not stood up to scientific tests. If you are considering one, only go for products that are proven by an accredited local testing authority which uses the Australian Standard 4430.2 test protocol.
Cut Down The Car Use
There is no doubt if you use your car less, you save fuel. Walk more, use a bike, use public transport, plan your trips ahead of time so you drive a less amount, or if available, use carpool services. Cutting down on the usage of your car will not only help you save more money, but it will also help you exercise and stay healthy, and more importantly, it will significantly diminish air pollution.
Conclusion
The techniques mentioned above may be difficult to start all at once, but they certainly will save a bunch of money on fuel as well as trips to the mechanic. Be economical with your car, keep yourself plus the environment secure!