Are you aware that irregular and improper maintenance can make a vehicle burn up to 30 per cent more fuel? That adds up to a large toll on your fuel economy over time. Most of us are guilty of not taking regular car maintenance seriously for obvious reasons like running a busy schedule, stress, high cost and so on.
Here are tips for reducing the fuel consumption of your car:
- TYRES
Since tyres are a crucial element of your car and inseparably linked to its performance, the amount you spend on fuel could also depend on your tyres. Therefore, you must ensure that your tires are properly inflated (you can know the appropriate pressure to apply by checking the label on the driver’s door jamb when you open the door). If your tyres aren’t inflated to the right PSI (pounds/inch²) pressure, you’ll end up burning fuel unnecessarily and also ruining your tyres. If you own an SUV, you should consider switching from an aggressive patterned off-road tread to a fuel-efficient highway tread.
- LETTING YOUR CAR IDLE FOR LONG
Driving in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine is a fuel-efficient way of driving. Driving at 60 km/h, a vehicle will use 25 per cent more fuel in third gear than it would in the fifth. Travelling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45 per cent more fuel than is needed.
- DRIVE SMOOTHLY
By applying light throttle and avoiding heavy braking, you can reduce both fuel consumption and wear and tear. Research suggests driving techniques can influence fuel efficiency by as much as 30 per cent.
- LIGHTEN THE LOAD
Think carefully about what you need on a journey. If you do not need something, do not pack it. Do not overload the car every single time. The weight drags the car down and increases fuel consumption. The lighter the load, the lower the fuel consumption and emissions. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car’s fuel economy by 1 to 2 per cent. Carrying excess weight leads to fuel wastage.
- AVOID REVVING THE ENGINE.
Especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from inside the cylinder walls. This is a really bad thing for the next startup, as the cylinder walls will be dry.
- AVOID RESTING YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL
If you drive a manual transmission. The slightest pressure puts “mechanical drag” on components, wearing them down prematurely. This “dragging” also demands additional fuel usage to overcome the drag.
- INSPECT SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS PARTS FOR MISALIGNMENT
Bent wheels, axles, worn shocks, and broken springs can contribute to drivetrain drag, not to mention the unsafe condition they create.
If carefully followed, these tips will not only help you save fuel; they would also help to keep your car in good condition for a longer period.
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