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Fuel saving tips

Fuel economy-maximizing behaviors (also known as green driving) describe techniques that drivers can use to optimize their automobile fuel economy. The energy in fuel consumed in driving is lost in many ways, including engine inefficiency, aerodynamic drag, rolling friction, and kinetic energy lost to braking (and to a lesser extent regenerative braking). Driver behavior can influence all of these.

Key parameters to maintain are proper tyre pressure, wheel alignment, and engine oil with low-kinematic viscosity referred to as low “weight” motor oil. Inflating tires to the maximum recommended air pressure means that less energy is required to move the vehicle.

Drivers can also increase fuel economy by driving lighter and/or lower-drag vehicles and minimizing the amount of people, cargo, tools, and equipment carried in the vehicle.

Maintaining an efficient speed is an important factor in fuel efficiency. Optimal efficiency can be expected while cruising with no stops, at minimal throttle and with the transmission in the highest gearFuel efficiency varies with the vehicle.

Fuel efficiency during acceleration generally improves as RPM increases until a point somewhere near peak torque. However, accelerating too quickly without paying attention to what is ahead may require braking and then after that, additional acceleration.

Experts recommend accelerating quickly, but smoothly.

Servicing: get the car serviced regularly (according to the manufacturer’s schedule) to maintain engine efficiency
Engine oil: make sure you use the right specification of engine oil (check the handbook)
Tyres: check tyre pressures regularly and before long journeys; under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance and so use more fuel (check the handbook and increase pressures for heavier loads as recommended)

Top 10 fuel saving tips

Drive smoothly – Avoid aggressive accelerating, try to accelerate gently.
Check the road and driving conditions ahead – By anticipating what is coming up, you’ll not only be a safer driver, but you’ll save fuel by starting to slow down early…
Don’t rev the engine! – revving the engine whilst stationary does nothing except wasting fuel…
Use the gears sensibly – Shift into high gear as soon as possible. If you have automatic transmission, lift your foot from the accelerator about one second early.
Stick to the speed limits – Driving at 50 miles per hour (mph) instead of 70 mph can improve fuel economy by 25 per cent. Driving at slower speeds also gives you time to anticipate traffic ahead, helping you drive more smoothly.
Check your tyres – Keeping the right tire pressure can save you money in lower tire wear and wasted fuel consumption.
Don’t “warm up” the engine – When starting on those cold mornings, don’t leave your car running to warm it up. It causes unnecessary engine wear, as well as wasting fuel. Instead invest in some decent de-icer and try to drive off straight away.
Avoid short trips – Before getting into your car, ask yourself “Is this trip really necessary?”. For short trips, try walking or bicycling. It’s good exercise.
Turn off the Air Conditioning – Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and power seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the fewer miles per gallon.
Keep your car in good condition in general – Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals.