With the current trend of rising fuel prices, finding a way to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption can help your budget tremendously, especially if you tend to travel a lot. With proper car maintenance and a few modifications to your driving style, you can save hundreds of dollars on fuel bills. The key to fuel efficient driving is in your hands.
Car Maintenance: Get Your Engine Checked
Did you know that not servicing your engine regularly can increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to 50%? Automatic checkups are vital to keeping your engine running smoothly. An engine can fail if some of the components connected to it fail, causing a lot of (expensive) damage. The simple act of changing dirty spark plugs can reduce fuel consumption by 5%!
Check the air filter
Air filters are what prevent dirt from damaging your engine. Over time they tend to clog and this reduces the fuel efficiency of your engine. Replacing them can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10% and keep your engine protected at the same time.
Drive to a higher gear
Driving in a lower gear causes your engine to consume more fuel than necessary. Any time the situation allows, put your car in higher gear. When you drive in the correct gear, your engine runs more efficiently and consumes less fuel. Once the car gains momentum, release the gas pedal.
Reduce air conditioning
The use of air conditioning is sometimes unavoidable, especially on hot sunny days, but the use of air conditioning also means higher fuel consumption. When the air conditioning is on, fuel consumption increases by up to 8%, especially in older vehicles. When it’s not too hot, use the ventilation system or roll down the car windows if you’re not driving too fast. It is not advisable to lower the windows at higher speeds.
Avoid driving fast
The higher your driving speed, the greater the wind resistance against your vehicle, therefore, the more fuel the engine will consume. Driving at 110 km/h supposes 30% more consumption than at 80 km/h. The stats are clear: keep your foot off the gas whenever possible.
Maintain tire pressure
When tire pressure drops just 0.1 psi, fuel consumption increases by 3%. Inflate your tires at least once a week. Make it a habit, for example, when you fill up the gas tank.
Avoid keeping your car in idle mode
If you’re stuck in a traffic jam or waiting for someone to run an errand, don’t leave your car engine running unnecessarily.
Use proper oil
Check the manufacturer’s manual to find out the proper oil viscosity for your engine. It is recommended to change it every 5000-8000 km.
Avoid carrying excessive weight
Every additional 45 kg of weight carried increases fuel consumption by 1-2%. Avoid carrying things in your car that you don’t need and that only add weight to your vehicle.
Close the windows
Wind blowing through open windows slows down your car. To make up for it, you probably hit the throttle without even realizing it. Instead of opening the windows, try using the car’s ventilation system.
Start applying these tips today and notice the difference in your car’s fuel consumption. Smart driving and regular preventative car service will keep your fuel costs down and prevent costly car repairs. Don’t forget to drive safely.
