12 Ways to improve your car's fuel efficiency

[sagar]

Did you know that a vehicle can burn up to 30% of more fuel if maintained properly on a regular schedule? 

We all know the importance of a regular car maintenance, but for many reasons, we just don't do it often enough.

 

If you're concerned about the price of fuel we feed our car with or want to minimize the impact of our driving on the environment, you don't have to scrap your car for a hybrid or a subcompact one. Driving techniques can influence fuel efficiency by as much as 30%.

 

 

I hope these tips will help you use every last drop of fuel you pour into your tank:

1. Tire Pressure

Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Inflated tires burn more fuel.

2. Cruise control

When appropriate, use your cruise control. This can save you up to 5% of fuel consumption on the highway.

 

3. Idle time

Don't let the vehicle idle for more than a minute. The modern engines will consume less fuel turning off and re-starting than idling for extended periods. Also, to effectively warm up the engine, drive it, don't rev it.

4. Air filter

Change the air filter at least the set number of times outlined in the owners manual, more if you drive in dusty conditions.

5. Over drive

Driving in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine is a fuel-efficient way of driving. For say, driving at 60 kmph, a vehicle will use 25% more fuel in third gear than it would in fifth. Travelling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45 per cent more fuel than is needed. 

 

6. Engine check-up

Have a regular engine check-up. At worst, you may be expected to replace spark plugs, the air and fuel filters.

7. Defensive driving

Think ahead and Drive smoothly! By applying light throttle and avoiding heavy braking, you can reduce the fuel consumption.

8. Load

Lighten your load. Lighter the load, lower the fuel consumption and emissions.

9. Engine oil

You can improve your gas mileage by one to two per cent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil.

10. Tailgating

Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also, avoid tailgating. Not only it is unsafe, but if affects the economy if the other driver slows down unexpectedly.

11. Alignment

Inspect suspension and chassis parts for misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, worn out shocks and broken springs can contribute to lesser fuel efficiency and also unsafe conditions.

12. Bad roads

Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel can rob you of up to 30% of our mileage. Every time the wheels bounce up and down, forward motion energy is removed from the vehicle. 

These are some of my observations and I'm sure you have your own. I would love to invite everyone who reads this and add their experiences on the comments tab. 

[anil]

Brilliant and a very useful post @sagar bro.. Thanks a lot for sharing

 

In reference to the above article, I would like to add another point which may not be a case in all the cars generally..

 

If your car has a roof rack, remove it while not in use. If the entire unit can't be removed, take the cross bars off to reduce frontal area and drag. This in turn will improve the mileage of your car. 

[Gowtham]

Excellent post sagar, Very helpful information.
Personally I don't keep tabs on mileage. 

Stress free driving + More mileage is always a bonus in city limits.

 

6 hours ago, sagar said:

10. Tailgating

Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also, avoid tailgating. Not only it is unsafe, but if affects the economy if the other driver slows down unexpectedly.

This is the biggest issue in India. If we try to maintain substantial gap in city limits, some idiot will squeeze in.
Less gap, results in hard breaking and acceleration. It is unavoidable in city limits.

Cab and Auto drivers have worst attitude. 
Specially, Chevy Taveras and Wingers with bull bars, they drive as if they own the road.
 

[Pralay]

great post as always @sagar. Almost everything is covered. Still I will think & put if any other ideas come in my mind 

[vivek]

Awesome post @sagar Really useful stuff for every person driving the car, I have looked on for a few points that I could add to your report but you have covered almost everything. Thanks a lot for sharing

[sharma]

Lovely post bro. Though everyone are aware of most of the points, we tend to ignore all of them. High time we start following all of these for a better living which serves not just us but the environmental disturbances too..

[bpt]

Nice article @sagar