Did you know? The average person spends roughly $2,000 a year on fuel. This is an expensive cost that can be reduced by making some adjustments to your car, such as keeping it properly maintained and driving more efficiently. Over the years, cars have transformed to become more efficient. This is good news for car owners because it means they are spending less on fuel.
However, this also means that emissions in cities and towns can be reduced as well. As a result of all this, there has been an incredible focus is on how to increase fuel efficiency in cars, for which we’ve got some tips below!
The Most Effective Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency in Cars
With fuel efficiency continuing to rise every year, modern technology and innovation have allowed us to create fuel-efficient vehicles steadily. With such great advancements like hybrids and electric cars becoming widely available (and affordable), it’s easy to forget that even with these new technologies, we still need our old fuel-powered cars when travelling long distances or through areas without charge stations. As long as you have a fuel vehicle, here are some things you must follow to improve fuel efficiency.
1. Make sure you’re accelerating and decelerating smoothly: You’re desperately waiting in the traffic and constantly wishing the light turns green soon. And it does! To rush past the other cars, you stamp on the accelerator and whoom! You increase the speed of your vehicle as fast as possible and you’re gone.
Here, you should accelerate quickly but smoothly so that you can reach your target speed within a reasonable time. And it shouldn’t annoy the other drivers on the road behind you. Avoid accelerating too quickly and slamming your brakes when you encounter speed bumps. Make sure the speed is constantly maintained and it remains between 15 to 20 mph, unless the bumps are excessively high or your car is running low on fuel.
2. Check the tyres and tyre pressures: The second most effective way of improving fuel efficiency in cars is by evaluating the performance of your car tyres. After all, the tyres are the shoes of your car and the only connection between the road and your vehicle.
As per the advice of professional car mechanics, properly inflated vehicle tyres produce a substantial significance on the fuel economy of the vehicle. On the contrary, poorly inflated tyres are known to be detrimental to a car’s mileage, reducing fuel economy by 2.5%.
All you need to do is follow the recommended tyre pressure mentioned in your car’s user manual. If you didn’t know, a car lacking in appropriate tyre pressure is 10% to 15% less fuel efficient. In case you need help with understanding how to choose the right car tyres, you can read this blog.
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3. Ensure you maintain a constant speed: It’s no secret to car owners that ’60 kmph’ is like a magical number! But it surely has some significant reasons and facts to support it. Several studies have revealed that maintaining a consistent speed can go to a great extent in helping drivers save fuel and increase mileage.
Wanna know the reason?
The more the power increases, the more your car engine must adjust, thereby, consuming more fuel. Moreover, the constant use of brakes is unavoidable if you’re driving at a high speed. Besides, almost every car manufacturer tends to revise the performance of the vehicle at a constant speed and in most cases, 60 kmph turns out to be the yardstick.
Thus, the next time you’re driving on a smooth, empty road, make it a point to keep the speed at 60 kmph and you’ll soon see yourself reaching the destination without having to frequently stop to refuel the tank.
4. Follow the 30-seconds rule: Now, what’s that? How is it connected to increasing fuel economy in your car? Relax! You must have heard this common advice from at least one person in your life – ‘turn off your engine when waiting at the signal’, right? Now, let us tell you the truth – you’ve been believing in a myth!
As per the advice of automotive experts, the vehicle engine must be turned off only if one is waiting for 30 seconds or more. The reason is simple. If you’re waiting at the signal for a long time, your car will use more fuel than when starting the engine. So, the next time you’re stuck in traffic, check the time, if it is 30 seconds and above, turn off the ignition and enjoy more savings!
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5. Turn off the AC if it isn’t required or lower the power: Okay, we understand this tip is difficult to follow when it’s scorching hot outside but let us give you a proper explanation.
Some car owners love to have the AC running no sooner than they’re inside the car and we all know how quickly the air conditioner can ingest your car’s fuel faster than you type ‘I love you’ to your beloved! For this reason, if you follow this practice too, it’s advisable to change it as soon as possible if you want to save more money and fuel.
Allowing proper airflow inside your vehicle is important. However, it doesn’t mean switching on the AC everytime! Instead, turning on the air coolers is a more feasible option; it relieves pressure on the AC, keeps the car cool and curbs unnecessary fuel consumption.
Also, remember to turn off the AC once it is cool inside and switch it on only when the temperature soars again.
If you want to improve fuel efficiency in your car, the best thing you can do is change your driving habits. Make sure you accelerate and decelerate smoothly, check the tyre pressure of all the four wheels regularly, keep a constant speed when possible so that your engine doesn’t have to work harder than it needs to be working; this will save on fuel! Don’t forget to turn off the AC if it isn’t necessary or lower its power setting. With the help of these five tips, you can boost fuel efficiency in cars. If you need to find reliable mechanics in Melbourne, don’t hesitate to drop us an email or post a request at Swezo!
