Nowadays, car fuel prices are always on the rise and consumers are suffering. Gone are the days when you can carelessly drive your car without worrying about burning up too much fuel.
There are important procedures that you, as a car owner, can take in order to improve fuel mileage. The following are practical tips to conserve petrol or diesel:
Close Windows – Windows that are open can create air drag that can decrease the fuel consumption by 10%.
Avoid Bumpy Roads – Rough roads should not be taken as much as possible. Dirt, bumps, rough roads and gravels can cause 30% increase in fuel consumption.
Keep Your Car Light – Take out unnecessary baggage. The boot should be kept clean, any gadget, tools or loads that are not needed should be taken out. 100 pounds (about 50kg) of extra baggage can affect fuel economy by two percent.
Drive Efficiently – Just drive reasonably within the speed limit. Remember that speeds of more than 100 Kilometers per hour increase fuel consumption. The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h anyway, but most drivers will exceed this every once in a while. Now you have even more reason to stick to the speed limit as it will help you keep your fuel bill in check.
Do not do sudden starts, accelerations and stops. Acceleration should be done gradually. The gas pedal should not be stepped on more than one fourth of the way down. This will allow the engine to function most efficiently. Fuel conservation could reach up to 5 percent if sudden stops, jerks and accelerations are avoided. Make use of gears for overdrive and cruise control as needed.
Check Your Car Regularly – The car should always be maintained. The engine should be given a regular tune up, the tires should always have the right air pressure and efficiently aligned, the oil should be changed when needed and air filters replaced regularly. Clogged filters can affect petrol consumption adversely by up to ten percent.
Don’t Burn Fuel Unnecessarily – Turn off the engine whenever there is an opportunity. Idle engine wastes fuel. There are instances where the engine could be turned off; stopping for petrol, waiting for someone, changing tire pressure, caught in stand-still traffic and a lot more.
Don’t Warm Up Too Long – Lengthy warming up of the engine should be avoided. 30 to 45 seconds should be enough time.
By following these simple tips, you will be surprised at how much money you can save on your car fuel consumption. And guess what? The money really adds up if you continue to follow these simple practices for conserving car fuel!
Always ensure your vehicle is serviced and maintained properly. Simon at Complete Vehicle Services in Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast is an MTA Certified Mechanic, and he is the best person who can instantly assess technically and professionally your car. For Peace of Mind contact Simon today on 04 902 6066 to make an appointment, or contact Simon directly at CLICK HERE