Hey! Car Enthusiasts: Here are 10 Ways to Save Fuel
Do you want to avoid hefty bills for petrol or diesel? It has become increasingly difficult with the continuous rising fuel costs nowadays. We have 10 tips to help you save fuel during these tough economic times. Read this guide to the end.
1. Avoid the 20 Minutes Engine Warm-Up Myth
Since you were young, you’d see your father warm up the car engine every day before you go for a road trip. According to Consumer Reports’ chief mechanic, John Ibbotson, leaving the engine idle for 20 minutes wastes fuel and generates emissions.
Besides John, other experts say idling the engine for 10 to 30 seconds is enough. The oil pump immediately pumps the oil to every part of the engine, and within a few seconds, they are fully lubricated. Instead of idling the engine, drive at a lower speed for a few miles, and the components will warm up.
Older car models may require a warm-up before driving. But believe it or not, modern cars no longer need warm-up. Modern vehicles have a system that adjusts the freezing engine temperatures to the surrounding temperature. Secondly, engine coolants nowadays maintain the temperature to prevent freezing.
2. Make it Lighter
Unless you offer delivery services, your car shouldn’t have unnecessary items in the trunk or the back seat. You know the normal items required in the car trunk are the jack, wheel spanners, first aid kits, fire extinguisher, and spare wheel. So, kids’ jackets and toys shouldn’t remain in the trunk after the trip. Nor should you have the car dog cage in the trunk if you aren’t traveling with your pooch.
The manufacturer sets the car’s load capacity depending on the engine size and power. So, any additional weight in the car will affect the fuel consumption. It’s an old fuel-saving habit that the vehicle should be as light as possible.
On the other hand, when adding some aftermarket features, consider their weight first. For instance, a heavy speaker may help you get the best music but can affect fuel consumption. The same is true with the bull bar; it adds aesthetics, but you’ll have to dig deeper into your pocket when shopping for fuel.
3. Practice Accelerator Feathering
There is always the need to prove to the driver in front that your machine can perform better. But for heaven’s sake, it’s not always worth it. Unless you are on the track race, remain calm on the highways and practice accelerator feathering.
Accelerator feathering is holding the foot lightly on the gas pedal rather than pressing it hard. Car enthusiasts have learned that feathering the throttle reduces the engine’s fuel consumption. Drivers feather the throttle through gear shifts and gradually build up the speed. But if you have to apply this trick, you must be patient.
Sometimes, you may need to attend the meeting before it’s late. If jammed streets don’t allow you to drive rashly, you should thank them for helping you save on the gas. Swerving in and out of traffic and accelerating may help you reach the destination faster. But your pocket, brake system, and the car engine will suffer.
4. Reduce Wind Drag
Designers and aerodynamicists try to make a car body that can easily cut through the air to avoid wind resistance. So, any practice that increases the wind drag will lead to poor gas mileage. One of the main causes of wind drag is rolled-down windows. Once the wind enters the cabin, it will create resistance, and the engine will strain.
The second thing that increases the wind drag is loading items on the roof. When traveling for camping, there is always a need for extra space in the car. Many car owners tie the bags and tents on the roof to save interior space. Loaded items can increase the wind drag.
After-market features like roof racks and carrier roofs can also increase the wind drag. A roof rack can save you money because you don’t have to hire a truck to deliver the mattress to your home. You can tie it on the roof and transport it cheaply. But once you have delivered your items, remove the roof carrier and store it.
5. Check the Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires have a higher rolling resistance on the road. That means the tires will generate more friction and rolling resistance every kilometer you drive, increasing fuel consumption. According to Mobil experts, underinflated tires by 10 psi could reduce fuel efficiency by 10%.
Pressure usually exits the tires at 1 to 3 psi per month. However, some tire brands may lose pressure at a higher or lower rate. For instance, different rubber blends have different permeation rates. That’s the reason Family Hardyman advises checking the tire pressure once a month.
Tip: Change the tires once they achieve the recommended mileage for safety and fuel-saving benefits. If you suspect your tire pressure is low, get to the nearest shop and test. Here are signs your tires are underinflated:
- Dashboard TPMS warning.
- Flapping noise when driving.
- Loss of tire shape.
- Reduced steering ability. (Shaking steering wheel).
- Increased stopping resistance (Even after servicing the brake system).
- Tire sidewall cracks.
6. Maintain a Steady Speed
Driving in heavy start-stop traffic will affect your fuel consumption. So, if you are a commuter, avoid rush hours at all costs. In addition to the accelerator feathering, maintain a constant speed on the highway because braking and accelerating to attain the required speed will lead to higher fuel consumption.
Ideally, use the cruise control on the highways and set an average speed. Avoid higher RPMs because they can burn more fuel. Additionally, if you drive a manual car, cruise with top gears.
Car experts advise practicing predictive driving. Predictive driving entails looking at the road ahead and planning the next move earlier. For instance, apply the brakes at a distance while approaching the red lights rather than slamming on the brakes to a complete stop. Another example is accelerating as you edge closer to the foot of a hill rather than when you reach right to it.
7. Minimize AC Usage
Air conditioning is important because it keeps the cabin comfortable. But turning on the AC will activate the air con pump, powered by the engine. The engine works harder to give power to the wheels and the air-con, consuming more fuel.
During winter, turn on the AC for a few minutes to defrost the windows and windshield, then turn it off. As the engine warms, the cabin air will heat, making the environment more comfortable. On the other hand, lower the windows a little during winter to allow fresh air into the cabin.
8. Plan and Combine Your Trips
You have heard drivers say they use less fuel on longer trips than on short trips. Once the engine is warmed up, it consumes less fuel; that’s why long-distance drives are better. So, if you are going on a vacation soon, you’ll have a lot of errands to run. This is the best time to combine trips. Visit the sunscreen, towels, and other stores on a single trip and see how the trick works.
9. Maintain Your Vehicle
Engine maintenance is the key if you want to save fuel. Service your vehicle as instructed by the manufacturer. Confirm the oil quality, type of coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and grease. All moving parts must be well lubricated to avoid friction.
Sometimes, the cooling and the lubrication system may clog. A clogged system prevents fluids from circulating as required; therefore, the engine performance is reduced. So, perform the radiator and engine flush regularly to remove the sludge.
10. Choose High-Quality Fuel
Not all fuels are the same. Different gasoline grades are in the market, and they affect the engine performance and efficiency differently. The higher the octane, the more efficient the engine will be. Currently, there are three grades of gasoline, namely:
- Regular (lowest octane fuel — 87)
- Midgrade (middle-range octane fuel — 89–90)
- Premium (highest octane fuel — 91–94)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best speed to drive to save petrol?
55 to 65 mph is the speed that the Energy Saving Trust recommends for better gas mileage. However, if road conditions are bad, consider safety by driving at a slower speed and low gears rather than saving fuel.
Which gear consumes more fuel in car?
Low gears like number 1 make the engine consume more fuel. They consume more fuel because gears give push force, while fuel delivers energy.
Does skipping gears save fuel?
Skipping the gears can reduce or increase fuel consumption depending on the driver’s skills and the engine power. At times, you may damage the engine and the transmission system. If your engine performance is good, you can skip some low gears to get to the top gears for fuel saving.
Parting Shot
The vehicle relies on your skills and knowledge to operate. Fuel-saving tactics are essential during these hard economic times. Practice accelerator feathering and predictive driving at all times. Reduce those petrol and diesel bills! All the best.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
