When you drive aggressively, with sudden speeding and braking, it can lower your car’s mileage by 15 to 30% at highway speeds, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If you want to save on costs and help save the environment at the same time, you need to be more energy-conscious. Sensible driving habits can help make the most out of the fuel you paid with your hard-earned money. It is also much safer for you and the rest of the people on the road. Here are some fuel efficient driving tips.
1. Maintain Your Vehicle Properly
The big part of achieving high fuel mileage begins even before you hit the road. Maintaining your car keep it in optimal condition is essential if you want to save fuel while driving. You need to tune your car regularly and address any issues accordingly. You need to pay attention to the engine oil you use because the correct type of lubricant can help reduce friction, prolong your car’s lifespan, and improve fuel efficiency. It is also important to keep the correct pressure on your tires. Correct tire pressure does not only help with fuel efficiency but also prevents unnecessary wear and tear. Likewise, you need to change your air filter following the manufacturer’s schedule and clean or change spark plugs when needed.
2. Observe Speed Limit
Another item on top of the list of fuel efficient driving tips is sticking to the speed limit. While cars may have different optimal speeds for the best fuel economy, most experts agree that speeds above 50 mph lower gas mileage rapidly. This translates to extra dollars to keep that fuel tank filled. It’s wise to stay within the speed limit. This way, you can improve fuel economy and also cut emissions. Aside from saving fuel, this also improves safety for you, your car’s occupants, and the other road users.
3. Accelerate and Decelerate Smoothly
To reduce fuel consumption, you need to drive efficiently. If your vehicle is equipped with cruise control, use it. It can help you maintain a steady speed and adjust to different road conditions. Be gentle on that gas pedal to save fuel and anticipate traffic so you can avoid sudden braking, which can also affect your overall fuel usage. Again one of the best fuel efficient driving tips is to keep a steady speed. Be aware of the situation so you can cruise smoothly along the highway or zip in and out of city streets efficiently.
4. Avoid Idling Your Engine
Did you know that idling is one of the bad driving habits that waste fuel? Idling for five minutes roughly translates to wasting more than a gallon of fuel a month. If your vehicle will be stopped for more than a minute, it is best practice to turn it off. This can reduce fuel consumption and also lower carbon monoxide emissions. Ideally, you want to limit your engine’s on-off cycle to 10 times a day. This is especially true for vehicles without a start-stop system. If you exceed this occasionally, it shouldn’t be a cause of worry, as it will not be a cause of too much wear and tear. To ensure your battery is in a good state of charge, you can drive around five miles in between your start cycles.
5. Get Rid of Unnecessary Weight
If you are carrying extra weight in the car, you need to do some spring cleaning. Check your trunks for those extra tools that you don’t use, the golf bag that you only use during weekends, or those office documents that shouldn’t be there in the first place. These unnecessary items lead to wasted fuel every month. If you love hauling cargo overhead, avoid it as much as possible. Fuel efficient driving tips include ensuring that your vehicle is light and aerodynamic. Roof boxes, racks, or other accessories on top increase the drag of your ride and affect its overall fuel efficiency. When not in use, make sure you remove accessories on top of your car.
6. Close Your Windows When Cruising on the Highway
Just like those roof racks and bars, open windows increase the drag of the vehicle. While fresh air is nice, wasted fuel leads to increased costs and more pollutants in the air we breathe. Aside from that, when you keep your windows down while driving, you are exposed to more air pollution. If you are not aware of the air quality in an area, stay safe and keep your windows shut.
7. Plan Your Routes to Save Fuel
Perhaps one of the best fuel efficient driving tips you need to put into practice is planning your routes efficiently. This does not require a lot of effort on your end because you can make use of navigation apps, most of which are free. Using such technologies can help you avoid traffic and avoid wasting time. Knowing what’s happening on the road can help you drive more efficiently and make adjustments to make the most out of every drop of fuel you have. You can also combine errands when going out so you don’t have to take multiple short trips, which, at the end of the day, consumes more fuel.
8. Use the AC Smartly
Summers can be scorching hot, and winters can be difficult too. However, for the most part of the year, the weather is pretty much comfortable. On most trips, you might not even need to switch on the AC or heater of your vehicle. Remember that the air conditioning, when running, is an extra load for your car’s engine. This just means that your vehicle will gulp more fuel when it’s doing the extra work with the AC on. When the air quality is good, roll down the windows and enjoy the breeze.
9. Choose the Best Car and the Right Fuel
Choosing the vehicle, you’ll drive on a daily basis, and the fuel you’ll use is also crucial if you want to save on fuel and limit your carbon footprint. When buying a vehicle, do your homework and find the best vehicle that fits your needs and lifestyle. There are fuel-efficient vehicles that are really reliable and won’t break the bank. Choosing the correct fuel also affects overall engine performance and efficiency. Make sure you pick the fuel with the recommended octane rating for your vehicle.
Driving Efficiently: Saving Your Wallet, Saving the Planet
Follow these fuel efficient driving tips, and two things will thank you— your wallet and the planet. Fuel costs are rising these days, and life is not getting much easier. Saving on fuel allows you to use your hard-earned cash for more important things. Making the best choices while behind the wheel allows you to lower your spending on fuel and also reduces your carbon footprint. Beyond saving money and helping save the environment, good driving habits are a more mindful approach to getting from point A to point B.