This is one of our articles from CARMA v1i1.
Here are 10 tips you can do today to get better fuel efficiency from your existing vehicle. High time isn’t it?
1. Start tracking!
If you don’t know where you started, how do you know the distance ? Starting today track your fuel economy by using the Trip option in your Odometer. This will tell you what you current economy is and to what extent it can be improved.
2. Bhaag D.K Bose!
Accelerating gradually and smoothly conserves a great deal of fuel. Wheel spinning starts, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking wastes fuel and wears out some of the car components such as brakes and tires quickly. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles and anticipate traffic conditions to allow for more time to brake and accelerate gradually.
3. Don’t hurry to the next signal
Do not attain speed unless there is room to use it. If there is another stop light in a short distance, there is no use of going fast. Why pay for acceleration only to brake and waste the gas required ?
4. Don’t have a ‘Panga’ with aggressive drivers
Let aggressive drivers pass by at the first opportunity. It’s easier that way. If they keep honking, you may find yourself driving in an unsafe and inefficient way as well. It’s better to let them by, smile and wave as they storm by in hasty frustration; letting them waste their own fuel to going nowhere fast.
5. Coast down hills
Whenever you get the chance, let gravity (that mysterious and wonderful force that affects all earthbound bodies) naturally drag you and your car downhill . The beauty here is that the steeper the hill, the faster you go (and this is with your foot nowhere near the gas pedal). It’s like a free ride as long as the road is clear of traffic and you’re not exceeding the speed limit. Of course – keep a watchful eye !
6. Check your tyre pressure regularly
Keep tires properly inflated. This alone can reduce the average amount of fuel used by 3-4 percent. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Check the vehicle’s door-post sticker for minimum cold tyre inflation pressure.
7. Switch off your engine at the signal
When your vehicle’s engine is idling its 0 kpl. It is more efficient to turn the engine off while you wait and start the car when you move. It is recommended that you switch off your car anytime you are waiting for more than 10 seconds.
8. Choose the correct oil
Use good quality oil with the viscosity grade recommended in the owner guide.
9. Slow before entering a curve
When you see a curve ahead, lift off the throttle and let friction between your tires and the road surface reduce your speed. At about halfway through, gently begin to accelerate for the straight stretch ahead. If you do this just so, you never have to touch the brake pedal.
10. Consider Replacing Worn Out Tires with Low Rolling Resistance Tires
Low rolling resistance tires are designed to improve fuel economy by reducing the amount of friction it takes to push the car along the road. The tyre’s inflation pressure, weight, tread design, and materials contribute to how easy the tyre rolls along.
