With fuel prices going up and down all the time and more and more people worried about the environment, it’s super important to get the most out of every drop of fuel.
Whether you’re driving to work or going on a road trip, making your car as fuel-efficient as possible can save you money and help the planet. This guide has all the tips you need to drive smarter and get the most out of every litre of fuel.
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1. Maintain a Steady Speed
One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve fuel efficiency is to maintain a steady speed. Sudden acceleration and frequent braking burn more fuel than driving at a consistent speed. Modern vehicles are often equipped with cruise control, which can help maintain a constant speed on highways and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.
For optimal efficiency, aim to drive at moderate speeds (around 80-100 km/h) on open roads, as speeds higher than this typically increase wind resistance, forcing your engine to work harder.
Practical Tip:
- Use cruise control on highways when possible.
- Anticipate traffic conditions to avoid frequent stops and starts.
2. Avoid Idling for Long Periods
Many people mistakenly believe that idling uses less fuel than turning the engine off and restarting it. In fact, idling consumes a significant amount of fuel, especially when done for extended periods. If you’re stopping for more than a minute, it’s more efficient to turn off the engine.
Practical Tip:
- If you’re waiting in your car for an extended time (e.g., at a railway crossing or in heavy traffic), consider switching off the engine.
- Some newer vehicles have automatic start-stop systems, which can improve fuel efficiency by reducing idle time.
3. Accelerate Gradually
Smooth and gradual acceleration is key to efficient driving. Aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration, speeding, and sudden braking can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%. When you accelerate slowly, your engine uses less fuel, and your car moves more efficiently. Avoid revving the engine too high, especially in lower gears.
Practical Tip:
- Accelerate gently and smoothly to reduce fuel consumption.
- Shift to higher gears sooner to keep the engine in its optimal efficiency range.
4. Use the Correct Gear
Driving in the right gear can significantly improve fuel economy, especially in manual transmission vehicles. Staying in lower gears for too long or shifting to a higher gear prematurely can force the engine to work harder, burning more fuel. Keep your engine running at its most efficient RPM (revolutions per minute) by upshifting at the appropriate time.
Practical Tip:
- Shift to higher gears as soon as possible without causing the engine to struggle.
- In automatic cars, avoid using sports modes that hold lower gears longer for extra power.
5. Plan Your Trips Carefully
Short trips can have a significant impact on your fuel efficiency, especially if your engine doesn’t have time to warm up properly. Plan your trips so that you can combine errands into one outing rather than making multiple short journeys. A warm engine is more fuel-efficient than a cold one.
Practical Tip:
- Combine multiple errands into one trip to minimise engine warm-up time.
- Avoid peak traffic hours where possible to reduce time spent idling and braking.
6. Minimise Air Conditioning Usage
Using air conditioning can increase fuel consumption, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. Running the air conditioning puts extra strain on the engine, which burns more fuel. Instead, use your car’s ventilation system when driving at lower speeds, and consider rolling down your windows.
However, at high speeds, having the windows down creates drag, which can negate the fuel savings from turning off the air conditioning.
Practical Tip:
- Use air conditioning sparingly, especially in city driving.
- At higher speeds, it’s more efficient to use the AC than to drive with the windows down.
7. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to use more fuel. Keeping your tyres properly inflated ensures your car runs efficiently and reduces fuel consumption.
Tyres can lose pressure over time, especially in colder weather, so it’s important to check them regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Practical Tip:
- Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.
- Follow the tyre pressure recommendations found in your car’s manual or on the driver’s door jamb.
8. Reduce Excess Weight
Carrying unnecessary weight can negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. An extra 50 kg of weight can reduce your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 2%. Items like roof racks, bike carriers, and unused tools can add significant weight to your car. Removing these items when they’re not needed will improve fuel economy.
Practical Tip:
- Remove roof racks and other bulky items when not in use.
- Empty your car of unnecessary items that add weight.
9. Limit Use of the Roof Rack
Aerodynamic drag plays a significant role in reducing fuel efficiency, especially at higher speeds. Roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes create additional wind resistance, making your engine work harder and consuming more fuel. If you don’t need to use them, removing roof-mounted carriers is an easy way to improve your fuel economy.
Practical Tip:
- Remove roof racks when not in use.
- If you need to carry extra luggage, consider a rear-mounted cargo box to minimize drag.
10. Keep Your Car Well-Maintained
Regular car maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring fuel efficiency. A well-tuned engine burns fuel more efficiently, while dirty air filters, clogged fuel injectors, and worn-out spark plugs can cause your engine to work harder and use more fuel. Additionally, using the manufacturer-recommended motor oil can help your engine run smoothly and efficiently.
Practical Tip:
- Schedule regular tune-ups to keep your engine running efficiently.
- Replace dirty air filters and use the correct grade of motor oil.
11. Use Higher Quality Fuel
Though it may be tempting to save money by using cheaper fuel, premium-grade fuel can sometimes improve the performance of certain vehicles. High-quality fuel with added detergents can clean your engine and improve fuel efficiency. However, always check your vehicle’s manual to see if your car requires premium fuel.
Practical Tip:
- Use fuel that meets your vehicle’s recommended specifications.
- Consider higher-grade fuel if your car is designed for it, as it can improve efficiency and performance.
12. Consider Aerodynamics
The shape of your car and the way it moves through the air can affect fuel efficiency. Driving with open windows, sunroofs, or unnecessary accessories like spoiler kits can create drag, causing the engine to work harder. The more aerodynamic your vehicle is, the less fuel it will use, especially at high speeds.
Practical Tip:
- Keep windows and sunroofs closed at high speeds to minimize drag.
- Avoid adding unnecessary accessories that reduce aerodynamics.
13. Drive Less Aggressively
Driving habits like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and frequent lane changes can lead to excessive braking and acceleration, both of which are detrimental to fuel efficiency. Driving smoothly and keeping a safe distance from the car in front allows you to brake less often and maintain a consistent speed.
Practical Tip:
- Practice defensive driving and anticipate traffic conditions to avoid sudden stops.
- Maintain a safe following distance to reduce the need for frequent braking.
