Any car including a 1000cc Toyota Passo or Suzuki Alto can dent your saving plan if driven in a not-so-friendly way
Amusingly, a 2500cc non-turbo Subaru legacy can consume a relatively low amount of fuel if driven well. It all sums up one’s driving habits.
Here are some tips that will guarantee more mileage for your fuel.
1. Perform routine maintenance and service:
A normal routine service involves a change of engine oil, brake pads and air filters. Sometimes even the spark plugs might need to be changed.
Dirty air filters can cause your engine to run at less than peak efficiency. Clogged air filters can cause up to a 10% increase in fuel consumption.
When engine oil is used for a long time or on high mileage, it becomes more viscous. Viscous engine oil increases the resistance to movement of the moving parts in the engine. This means that more fuel will have to be burned up so as to overcome the resistance thus higher fuel consumption.
Why a smaller engine does not always save fuel
Worn-out spark plugs also increase fuel consumption as they do not burn fuel efficiently hence the vehicle losses power. To compensate for the lost power, the car needs to be accelerated harder thus using up more fuel.
2. Avoid aggressive driving.
Hard acceleration and hard braking can increase fuel consumption significantly.
The proper way is to accelerate smoothly and get into high gear as soon as possible.
3. Driving steadily in the highest gear at posted speed limits.
At around 80km/h to 90km/h in the highest gear, your car is likely to achieve peak efficiency.
While cruising on the highway, try to cruise steadily at this range of speed. If your car has cruise control, it will help maintain this efficient speed as long as the road is fairly clear.
4. Keep your wheels properly inflated, aligned and balanced.
Check tire pressure frequently. When the car has not been driven for a while, always start by checking that you do not have any slow punctures. Slow punctures increase your car’s tires’ resistance to movement. To overcome the resistance, the car will need harder acceleration and burn up more fuel.
5. Always make sure that your car’s petrol tank cap is tightened.
Have you ever noticed a substance that seems like transparent smoke that makes vision seem a bit blurred and bubbly rising from a car’s outer petrol tank cap on a hot sunny afternoon?
Well, that is petrol evaporating from the tank. Make sure the inner cap is tightened and also avoid parking in the sun.
6. Plan your trips.
When you start a car that has been parked for a few hours, it uses more fuel for the first 6 kilometres before the engine reaches optimum operating temperature.
Always try to combine all your errands in one trip if possible.
7. Turn the air conditioning off.
Air con uses a bit of fuel. Avoid using it when it is not necessary.
With these few simple tips, you will save more on fuel. Remember; driving responsibly will not only save you some fuel but also get you home safe.