Tyre pressure
According to the U.S Energy Information Administration estimates, maintaining the correct tyre pressure in vehicles can result in a saving of eight lakh barrels of crude oil per day. Studies have shown that correct tyre pressure can improve the fuel average of vehicles by up to three percentages. Further, using tyres that are low on rolling resistance can also help boost the fuel average by 1.5-4.5 per cent.
Light on pedal is light on pocket
Another way to improve fuel efficiency is sticking to the ideal speeds specified by the manufacturer. Most cars return the maximum fuel average when driven between the 60-80 kilometres per hour speed limit. Speed of the vehicle should not be far below or far above this band. Maintaining constant speeds during long trips also improves fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency of vehicles that are driven at high speeds tends to drop by 35 per cent, studies show.
Shut down the engine at traffic light
Switching off the engine in traffic jams or when waiting for the green signal can also improve fuel efficiency. If the wait is going to be longer than 60 seconds then it is advisable to turn off the engine. Since the engine consumes more fuel to start, if the wait is going to be not more than a minute, it is advisable to keep the engine running.
Use air conditioning wisely
Air conditioning consumes a lot of power and it reduces the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Though driving inside the city with the windows open may not be an enjoyable experience, one should always try to use the air conditioning only when it is absolutely necessary. In vehicles with automatic climate control, the system takes care of the air conditioning requirement.
It is advisable to roll up the windows and use air conditioning if the vehicle is being driven above 80 kilometres per hour. This is because at speeds above 80 kilometres an hour, the wind resistance acts as a drag and eats into fuel efficiency. The wind resistance can consume more fuel than what the air conditioning does at speeds above 80 kilometres per hour and thus it is advisable to roll up the windows and switch on the air conditioning when the vehicle is travelling above 80 kmph.
Shift on time
Keeping the engine in the 2,000-2,500 RPM range will also help in improving the car’s fuel efficiency. Late gear shifts far above the ideal RPM range or lugging the engine at lower speeds, or on slopes, without downshifting can affect fuel economy. Acceleration and deceleration should be smooth and if one sees that the signal light is red from a distance, slowing down the car gradually running up to the light makes a better driving habit.
Regular servicing
The vehicle should be serviced at company recommended intervals without fail. Air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs should be periodically examined and replaced if necessary. A choked air filter, a worn out fuel filter or spark plugs can substantially dent the fuel economy of the car.
Shed a few kilos
Decrease the weight of the vehicle as much as possible since more weight translates into a bigger load for the engine and results in lower kilometres per litre of fuel.
Don’t use brake and clutch unnecessarily
Hard braking is not good for fuel economy. One should shed speed gradually and come to a halt. Another common bad habit among drivers is resting the left foot on the clutch while driving. Driving on half clutch should be avoided as it dents fuel economy and also reduces the life of the clutch plate.