10 Top Tips to Improve Fuel Efficiency
In today’s climate, the cost of fuel can fluctuate from day-to-day. This can be incredibly frustrating for motorists who are required to travel on a regular basis and view their car as a fundamental necessity. Luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can improve how fuel efficient your vehicle is.
Your pedal behavior
Did you know that your behavior on both the accelerator and the brake pedal can have a massive impact on your fuel efficiency? The faster you go, the more fuel you burn as you’re increasing the drag against the car. When braking, you’ll burn more fuel leaving it until the last minute to brake, than if you were to slowly come to a controlled stop.
Vehicle Drag
Going fast isn’t the only factor that can increase vehicle drag. If your vehicle has a roof rack or similar accessory, you’ll be adding a significant amount of weight which will increase your fuel consumption.
What time do you fill your tank up?
It’s better to fill your tank with fuel in the morning, as opposed to later in the day. Petrol stations store their fuel tanks underground and the density of the fuel can change based on temperature. The colder the fuel, the higher the density. In the morning, the ground is cold, so in turn, the fuel is a higher density, meaning that you’ll be getting more per gallon.
Your car bumper?
Many drivers like to upgrade their bumpers to a larger rim; however, this can deter the performance of the vehicle. In actuality, a wider rim would provide more grip and traction to the vehicle. Not only that but the material it’s made out of can have a big impact. Typically made of either aluminum or steel; aluminum weighs a lot less, in turn contributing to fuel efficiency. You can shop around for a new car bumper online.
Air Conditioning
It’s best to only have the air con on if you’re traveling at high speeds. If you’re in the city going less than 30mph, it’s more economical to just open the windows.
Your vehicle’s wheels
The weight is incredibly important here. You need to be sure to choose a lightweight wheel that is also super tough and durable.
Replace your air filter
If your air filter is clogged up with dust and debris then your vehicle is having to work that little bit harder to get enough air mixing with the fuel.
Go up a gear
If you have a manual vehicle, it’s more economical to drive in the highest possible gear for the speed you’re driving. Don’t go too high, as this will cause more work for your car, but if you’re driving at 40mph then it can be wise to go up to 5th gear.
Turn your engine off
If you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for more than a few seconds, it is a good idea to turn your engine off. Having your engine on whilst you’re not moving can burn between half and a full gallon of fuel every hour.
Tyre Pressure
It might sound obvious, but having your tyre pressure at the correct level can ensure that your fuel consumption is as low as it can be. However, a lot of motorists are guilty of not monitoring their pressure as much as they should.
