Simple Ways To Reduce Your Car’s Fuel Consumption

It is a fact that engines need fuel to run but that does not mean you can’t achieve fuel-efficient driving, which can save you some money in fuel each year, improve road safety, and prevent wear on your vehicle. Use these fuel-efficient driving strategies to reduce your car’s fuel usage and emissions of carbon dioxide by up to 25 per cent.

1. Tire pressure:

Ensure proper tire pressure as underinflated tyres provide more rolling resistance when driving, thereby increasing your car’s fuel consumption. Your tyres’ combined underinflated pressure of 10 psi may cause up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.

2. Remove extra weight:

Remove unnecessary items from your trunk or back seat to reduce weight and improve your fuel efficiency. Every extra 50kg your car puts on increases fuel consumption by two per cent.

3. Drive with AC:

Contrary to what you may think, driving with the windows down at speeds faster than 80km/h causes a lot of wind resistance, and costs you a lot more fuel. In this situation, it’s simply more fuel-efficient to drive with the aircon on.

4. Drive at moderate speed:

When cruising down a highway, your engine works hard to overcome wind resistance. You’ll burn up to 15 per cent more fuel at 100 km/h and 25 per cent more at 110 km/h. Therefore, a steady 50 – 90 km/h on the highway is best to achieve optimal fuel economy.

5. Maintain steady acceleration:

Avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, and sharp turns. Your engine uses less fuel when it is revolving slower, at a lower RPM.

6. Avoid braking aggressively:

Slamming on the brakes increases fuel consumption as you need to accelerate again later. Tailgating is dangerous and something to avoid.
Cruise in top gear: Use cruise control to keep your speed constant. Maintain a higher gear when appropriate to reduce your fuel consumption.

7. Practice predictive driving:

Look to the road ahead and plan your next move. Avoid hard accelerations and plan your route to avoid stop-start traffic.
Plan your rush hour route: Stop-start traffic puts a lot of pressure on your engine, thus burns more fuel. Plan your commute carefully to avoid peak traffic.
Don’t stay idle for long: If you are waiting for something or someone for more than three minutes, turn off your engine.

On a last note!

Routine auto maintenance is essential for maintaining fuel economy. Poor maintenance will hinder the engine’s ability to operate properly. Engine oils are essential for increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing engine friction.

Also remember, even small changes in your driving habits can make a big difference in reducing your car’s fuel consumption!