With today's trend of rising fuel prices, finding a way to reduce the fuel consumption by your vehicle can help your budget immensely, especially if you tend to be on the road a lot. With the proper car maintenance and a few modifications to your driving style you'll be on your may to saving hundreds of dollars on fuel bills. The key to fuel-efficient driving is in your hands.
Car servicing - have your engine checked
Did you know that not servicing your engine regularly can increase fuel consumption of your vehicle by as much as 50%? Auto checks are vital to keeping your engine running smoothly. An engine can fail if some of the components connected to it fails, causing a lot of (expensive) damage. Just changing the dirty spark plugs can lower fuel consumption by 5%!
Check the air-filter
The air filters are the ones that keep dirt from damaging your engine. Over time they tend to clog up and this lowers your engine's fuel efficiency. Having them replaced can lower fuel consumption by as much as 10% and keep your engine protected at the same time.
Drive into higher gear
Driving into lower gear makes your engine consume more fuel than needed. Anytime the situation allows it get your car into higher gear. When you drive in the right gear, the engine more efficiently and consumes less fuel. Once the car gathers momentum, ease up on the acceleration pedal.
Cut down on the air conditioning
Using the air conditioning is sometimes inevitable, especially in hot sunny days, but use of air conditioning also means higher fuel consumption. When AC is on fuel consumption increases by as much as 8% especially in older vehicles. When it's not too hot, use the ventilation system instead or roll down the car windows if you're not driving too fast. Rolling down the windows is not advisable at higher speeds.
Avoid fast driving
The higher your driving speed, the higher the wind resistance against your vehicle, hence more fuel consumed by the engine. Driving 110 km/h means 30% more consumption than driving 80 km/h. The statistics are clear - keep your foot away from the gas pedal whenever possible.
Maintain tire pressure
When the tire pressure is down by just 0.1 psi, fuel consumption increases 3%. Inflate your tires at least once a week. Make it a habit - for example, when you fill your gas tank.
Avoid keeping your car in idle mode
If you are stuck in a traffic jam or you're waiting for someone to run an errand, do not keep your car engine running unnecessarily.
Use appropriate oil
Check your manufacturer's manual to find out the right oil viscosity for your engine. It is advisable to have it changed every 5000-8000 km.
Avoid carrying excessive weight
Every additional 45 kg of weight carried increases fuel consumption 1-2%. Avoid carrying around in your car things you don't need that only add weight to your vehicle.
Close the windows
The wind blowing trough the open windows slows down your car. To make up for it you will probably hit the gas pedal without even realizing it. Instead of opening the windows try using the car's ventilation system.
Star applying these tips today and notice the difference in your car's fuel consumption. Smart driving and regular preventive car service will keep your fuel cost down and save you from expensive car repairs. Don't forget to drive safely.
The Automotive Experts are a car service centre in Melbourne, Australia. We are leading experts on car services, auto repairs, roadworthy certificate and car servicing.
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