We all know that a “heavy foot on the gas” means you use more fuel while driving. Aggressive stop-and-go driving with heavy acceleration and heavy braking is not only dangerous but also bad for the environment. At a time when fuel efficiency is as important to drivers as a car’s performance (and even the number of cup holders!), there’s a lot you can do to drive more efficiently while reducing your fuel consumption. Not only will the planet thank you, but so will your bank balance! Here are few top tips to help you reduce your fuel consumption:
Maintenance – A Well-Maintained Vehicle Is More Efficient.
When your car is in pristine condition, it is much more fuel efficient. One of the most important and often overlooked factors is improper tire pressure. This can increase your fuel consumption by up to 10% and can also be dangerous. Perform regular checks and always keep your tire pressure at the level recommended by the manufacturer.
Do Not Let The Engine Idle
Leaving the engine idling is a bad habit and in the vast majority of cases completely unnecessary. In doing so, you not only consume fuel, but also pump pollutants into the atmosphere. When you’re on the road for a few minutes, turn off the engine and don’t start it again until you’re ready to continue.
Reduce The Weight
The more weight you have in your car, the more energy it takes to move it forward and the more fuel your engine requires. Empty the trunk and cabin of everything you don’t need, and you’ll notice a difference in fuel economy.
Do Away With The Roof Rack.
Unless you absolutely need it, a roof rack or roof box is like an anchor you’re dragging behind you! The wind resistance of roof boxes and even backseat bike racks make a big difference in your car’s performance. If you don’t need it, take it off.
Take The Lead Foot Back A Bit!
A heavy foot on the gas pedal means you’ll use more fuel. It also makes the ride much jerkier and more inconsistent, and possibly even dangerous. Avoid heavy acceleration, and you’ll significantly reduce your fuel consumption.
Turn Off The Air Conditioner
When the thermometer isn’t skyrocketing, turn off the air conditioning. It’s even worth turning off any unnecessary electrical devices, such as heated seats or heated windshields, because the more you stress your vehicle’s electrical system, the harder the engine has to work, and the more fuel you’ll use.
Plan Ahead To Avoid Heavy Traffic
Heavy stop-and-go traffic not only means your car will use fuel, but it can also easily overheat, leading to serious engine damage. If possible, plan your trip to avoid the heaviest rush hour traffic. Use navigation devices that inform you of possible road works, and if necessary, change your route or try to make your trip at a time when there is less traffic.
Don’t Rev The Engine Too Much
The more you rev the engine, the more fuel you use. If you’re in a car with a manual transmission, get in the habit of shifting up and down earlier.
Use Gravity
When you’re driving downhill, you can ease off the gas pedal a bit. Gravity, the universal force that holds entire galaxies together, is quite capable of helping your car maintain its momentum downhill without you having to do anything. If you have a hill to climb, instead of accelerating, increase your speed before you hit the grade and let the forward momentum of the car carry you part of the way up. This is a technique known as “reading the road” and is a great driving technique to learn in order to drive more smoothly and efficiently.
