With the ever-fluctuating cost of petrol and growing environmental concerns, maximising your car’s fuel efficiency has never been more important. Whether you’re looking to save money or reduce your carbon footprint, there are several strategies you can implement to get the most out of every litre of petrol. Here are some practical tips to help you improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and drive smarter.
Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly
Regular Servicing
Keeping your car in good condition through regular servicing can significantly impact fuel efficiency. Change the oil, replace air filters, and ensure that all engine components are functioning optimally. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and uses less fuel.
Tyre Maintenance
Properly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency. Check your tyre pressure monthly and keep it at the recommended level. Under-inflated tyres can lower fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Drive Smartly
Smooth Acceleration and Braking
Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can reduce your fuel economy by up to 30% on motorways and 40% in city driving. Instead, accelerate smoothly and anticipate stops to brake gently.
Maintain Steady Speed
Using cruise control on motorways helps maintain a constant speed, which can save petrol. Avoid unnecessary speed fluctuations and try to drive at a steady pace.
Minimise Idling
Turn Off the Engine
If you’re going to be parked for more than a minute, turn off your engine. Idling consumes petrol and emits CO2 without moving you any closer to your destination. Modern engines are designed to use less fuel when restarting than idling for extended periods.
Optimise Air Conditioning Use
Use Air Conditioning Wisely
Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%. Use it sparingly and consider using the car’s ventilation system instead. On cooler days, open windows at lower speeds to stay cool without the A/C. However, at higher speeds, open windows can create drag, reducing fuel efficiency more than air conditioning.
Plan Your Trips
Combine Errands
Cold engines are less efficient than warm ones. Try to combine multiple errands into one trip to ensure your engine stays warm, improving fuel efficiency. This also reduces the number of miles you drive.
Use Navigation Apps
Navigation apps can help you find the quickest route and avoid traffic, which can save fuel. Some apps also provide real-time traffic updates, helping you avoid congested areas that waste petrol.
Use High-Quality Fuel
Choose the Right Octane
Using the correct octane level for your car can improve performance and efficiency. Check your owner’s manual to determine the recommended fuel type for your vehicle. Using higher octane fuel than necessary typically doesn’t improve fuel efficiency.
Improve Aerodynamics
Remove Roof Racks
Roof racks and cargo boxes can create drag and reduce fuel efficiency. Remove them when not in use to improve your car’s aerodynamics. Additionally, keeping windows closed at high speeds reduces drag.
Conclusion
Maximising fuel efficiency is about more than just saving money—it’s also about driving sustainably and responsibly. By following these tips, you can enhance your vehicle’s performance, reduce your environmental impact, and enjoy a smoother, more efficient driving experience. Implement these strategies today and start seeing the benefits on your next trip to the petrol station.