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How to Improve Fuel Efficiency of Your Car?

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Published on February 08, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Fuel prices are constantly in the news for the wrong reasons. With global reserves depleting rapidly, it is predicted that oil will run out in this century. Electric vehicles are only just beginning to gain market share, which is still dominated by cars with traditional internal combustion engines. As a result, fuel prices have increased tremendously over the past few years. This makes it important to use every litre of fuel that goes into your tank efficiently.

Here’s what you can do to increase the distance travelled per litre of your car:

Go easy on the throttle

Pressing the accelerator gently, for a smooth and gentle pick-up is the best way to save fuel. Pressing the accelerator hard, to quickly get moving, consumes the most amount of fuel. Speed, in general, is not the worst culprit. How you achieve that speed is what matters. If you focus too much on accelerating and braking, it will consume more fuel, as opposed to gently pressing the accelerator to have a slow, smooth, and pleasant acceleration – not to mention, better fuel efficiency.

Anticipation

You’ll save more fuel if you don’t accelerate to a stop. If you see traffic ahead of you, or a red light a few hundred metres ahead, it’s better to slow down naturally, rather than accelerate to the red light before sharply pressing the brakes. Even during rolling traffic, keep some distance with the vehicle in front so that you can be gentle with the acceleration and braking. It is pointless to accelerate and overtake someone, only to be stuck in the traffic ahead. By going at a steady and consistent pace, with little manipulation of the accelerator or brakes, you will not only catch up or be faster than most of the cars around you, but you’ll also save more fuel.

Switch off engine at stops

There was a time when engines used to consume a significant amount of fuel during the ignition phase, prompting many drivers to leave the car running during lengthy traffic stops. But modern engine manufactures have recognised this problem and rectified it, making the ignition phase more fuel efficient. Now, it is recommended to switch off the engine during long stops (30 seconds or more) to save fuel. During long stops, consider car insurance renewal online, as it can be done within a matter of minutes, and will help you stay financially protected against unfortunate incidents.

AC vs windows

The debate between switching on the air conditioner versus opening the windows have raged on since it was first installed in a car. The results are finally in. Switching on the air conditioner at low speeds puts extra pressure on your engine, thereby consuming more fuel. You’re better off opening the windows at speeds below 80 kmph. Above 80kmph, it’s more efficient to have the air conditioner on, and the windows rolled up, to prevent drag. This air resistance ends up consuming more fuel than the AC. So, there you have it. Depending on your speed, you can choose your mode of fuel conservation.

Optimal tyre pressure

Car manufacturers often stress on the importance of the right kind of tyre and pressure. The stock tyres are usually thoroughly tested to arrive at the optimum balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Swapping your manufacturer recommended tyre for bigger tyres can cause extra load on the engine, drawing more fuel. Similarly, tyres not filled to the appropriate pressure, will be subject to more friction with the road surface, making it more difficult for the engine to pull the car along, thereby consuming more fuel. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation on both the tyre choice and the tyre pressure for fuel efficiency.

Routine maintenance

Conduct routine maintenance of the car, and get the engine checked and cleaned regularly. Do not wait until a problem arises. Regular tune-ups keep the engine in good shape, ensuring your mileage is always the best it can be. Furthermore, it also means fewer car insurance claims, which can lead to significant savings. Go for car insurance renewal online for quick and hassle-free protection.

Use high quality fuel

Low quality fuel can damage your engine components and will certainly reduce your mileage as well. Instead of trying to save a buck there, it’s recommended to spend a little extra on quality fuel, to prolong the life of your engine, and to extract the most out of every drop of fuel.

Trim the fat

Do not use your car as a portable storage space. Instead of lugging around things, remove unnecessary objects from the car to keep it as light as possible. A lighter car is easier to move for the engine, while consuming less fuel.

Conclusion

In times of rising fuel prices, the best way you can save both money and fuel, is by driving gently and sensibly. Anticipate the traffic, drive light, and maintain your car properly to enjoy optimum fuel efficiency. And if all else fails, consider walking or cycling for your short-distance errands. Each trip you take without your car, will add up eventually to significant savings.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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