WHILE driving speed is undoubtedly the most important element affecting fuel consumption, there are a number of other ways you can adjust your driving habits that will have a major impact on the money you spend at the pump, says Dean Horn, managing director of Super Tyres.
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1. Keep an eye on your tyre pressure.
Make sure your tyres are properly inflated, as underinflated or overinflated tyres have a negative impact on fuel economy. Approximately 20% of fuel is used to overcome friction between the tyres and the road; thus, have your tyres checked to avoid excessive spending at the pumps.
2. Keep your vehicle in good condition.
If routine maintenance is not completed, an automobile might use up to 30% more fuel. Wearing spark plugs, rings, defective injectors, squeaky brakes, unclean oil, and dirty filters all contribute to engine inefficiency, resulting in higher fuel usage.
3. Know your way around the wheel.
Check the alignment of your car’s wheels. Bad wheel alignment increases friction, which requires more force to overcome and increases fuel consumption. It’s also crucial to rotate your tyres on a regular basis to help them last longer and perform better. It is recommended that you rotate and balance your tyres and have your wheels aligned every 10 000 kilometres.
4. Use your right foot gently.
Excessive speed is the most fuel-consuming component, so driving with a light right foot and smooth acceleration is essential for fuel-efficient driving. The best advise is to drive at the slowest possible pace in the highest gear possible given the road and traffic conditions.
5. Do not allow yourself to be dragged down.
Roof bars and roof boxes should not be left on needlessly since they produce wind resistance and cause your automobile to use more gasoline due to the drag impact. The quicker you drive, the higher this number becomes. When traveling at 120 km/h, an empty roof rack adds about 15% to the drag. A roof box adds 39 percent drag at the same speed, making your car far less fuel efficient. Similarly, driving with a window open has the same effect.
6. Make multiple journeys.
Instead of making multiple short excursions, plan ahead and make one round trip. The engine will run at its most economical once it has warmed up, however multiple cold starts will increase fuel consumption even if the total distance remains the same.
According to Horn, It may seem like a pain to save money on gas by keeping a vehicle maintained and changing driving methods, but if people enhance their fuel economy by 20% to 40%, a tank that normally takes them 700 km can possibly take them 1 000 km. Horn also stated that people should have their shocks and tyres checked by a professional.
