We can do nothing about the ever-rising fuel prices worldwide, but there are ways to start saving on fuel if you decide to choose so. There are many petrolheads out there that drive sporty cars with big engines increasing their monthly fuel expenses. With these cars more aggressive driving goes with it, that’s the point of fast cars right? Well, aggressive driving also adds to extra fuel cost and wear and tear of engine parts, suspension and tires.
But no matter what kind of driver you are or what car you drive, we will be discussing ways anybody can save on some fuel.
Tire Pressure
All cars have a recommended air pressure for the tires for the best handling, fuel economy and also longevity of the tires. Tires lose air slowly over time and under-inflated tires make them less economical. Under-inflated tires have a bigger contact patch to the road increasing rolling resistance and increasing fuel consumption.
Tyre pressure should be checked every 7-14 days. You can find the recommended tire pressure in the owner’s manual of the car or a faster way is to check the door pillar of the driver’s side for a sticker containing the recommendations. The tire pressure typically differs between the front and rear tires, because they need to accommodate the weight of the engine block. Remember the pressure that is right for one car isn’t necessarily right for your car. In fact, a visual inspection should be done regularly to check tire tread depth and check for any bubbles on the sidewall or sidewall cracks.
Uneven tire wear happens when the tires aren’t aligned or balanced properly, if you are not sure take it to a professional.
Driving habits
The way you drive impacts fuel consumption directly, and what I really mean is how hard you are on the accelerator pedal. Fuel consumption goes up with RPM (revs per minute) because you put more strain on the engine to produce power.
Fuel consumption is much higher when you drive in the city most of the time, driving the open roads is more economical. The problem with city driving is the stop-and-accelerate routine at the traffic light or stop sign. The engine works hard to start the car moving from a standstill decreasing fuel economy.
There is no use racing to a red traffic light, take it easy and maybe the light will turn green the time you get there. Another way to save some fuel is when you have many roads going downhill, put your car in neutral and free down. See how your RPM keeps low and you will start to realize you can drive further on a tank of petrol (or diesel).
Cruise control
For those of you who have cruise control, this is another way to save fuel costs. Cruise control will work wonders for fuel economy using it in the right conditions. This is best suited for relatively flat open roads. Cruise control is good at being smooth on the accelerator, which results in saving fuel. Cruise control is not very efficient at going uphill, changing gears irregularly trying to cope with the steeping road. Using cruise control in wet weather might also be dangerous where chances of hydroplaning will increase using cruise control. In this situation, you need to be in full control of your car and be able to feel the road.
If you do regular night driving or you are tired and you are afraid you might fall asleep, rather not use cruise control.
Slipstream
Safe on fuel when staying in the slipstream of another vehicle. This strategy is best for long-distance driving. Truck convoys use slipstream to save fuel and race car drivers use it to increase speed. They use the car in front to slingshot them, past opponents. Every car has a particular amount of drag, this is the wind resistance of that particular car. A Car driving through the air causes it to split around the car resulting in turbulence behind the vehicle which is called the slipstream. The bigger the vehicle the bigger and longer the slipstream tail.
I would say rather leave slipstreaming to the professionals, doing it with your sedan is a dangerous scenario. Firstly, you are basically tailgating the car in front of you, and when the person in front needs to stop suddenly you have no time to react. Even with big trucks, it is dangerous because you will be sitting in its blind spot.
Oil change and Service
Make sure you follow your customer service manual, most newer cars will tell you when the next service is due. With every service, they will replace your car’s old black dirty oil with new engine oil. An oil change is with a minor as well as a major service. Normally every second service is a major one. Major service is a thorough and comprehensive checklist that they go through. Minor service is changing the oil, oil filter or any other fluids or filters that need to be replaced.
The purpose of engine oil is to lubricate all the moving parts in the engine to reduce friction between them and reduce wear and tear and reduce the chance of a mechanical breakdown. Engine oil will also cool the engine parts and transfer that heat back to the oil pan (sump) where it is stored and cooled down. The oil also has additives in it that will clean your engine while circulating through it.
The oil will travel through an oil filter that removes dirt particles and other impurities to keep the engine clean and working optimally. The air filter filters the air that enters the engine to keep debris from entering and damaging the engine parts.
Making sure that your oil and filters are clean and checked regularly will leave your engine in good working condition making it more economical on fuel consumption.
Alternative transportation
Carpooling is another way to save on fuel if it is a possibility or even riding your bicycle to work if it’s not too far.
If you don’t mind saying goodbye to your big-engine car and buying a small economical car that has more miles to the gallon. Motorcycles are another option, they are much lighter on fuel than cars.
Lastly, combine your errands into one trip or if they are not too far apart park in a central location and walk. Walking is always good for the soul. Make sure you park in the shade when you leave your car for long periods of time. Baking your car in the sun all day will cause more fuel to evaporate from your fuel tank costing you money.
Conclusion
There are really many ways to save on fuel. Just paying more attention to the road and your surroundings or navigating through traffic trying not to slow down and speed up unnecessarily. Be light on the accelerator or use cruise control where you can.
Keeping your engine in tip-top shape will make your engine more efficient and your car more economical. When you notice a dip in fuel economy, check your air filter and make sure it’s not clogged.
Or maybe you’ve been thinking of getting your fitness levels up and doing some exercise. Riding a bicycle to work or walking might be a possibility for you and enjoy the extra money you have each month.
