Fuel bills upsetting your monthly budget? Well, you are not the only one complaining. Scores of vehicle owners have fuel efficiency as their top most priority, but most of them neglect the practical tips of saving precious fuel and saving the environment.
Ford studies have investigated the influence of driving style on fuel consumption and CO2 per kilometre driven and found that by adopting an eco-driving style, drivers can slash both their fuel bill and their emissions by as much as 25 percent compared with ‘normal-average’ driving behaviour. Small changes to the way you drive can have a big impact on fuel economy.
Here are some simple tips that can help you be a greener, more fuel efficient driver.
# Drive smoothly
Accelerating rapidly, over-speeding and hard braking increases fuel consumption significantly. So, if you want to save fuel then accelerate gradually and brake softly. Not only will you save fuel but such habits will eventually increase the life span of the tyres too.
# Slow down
Over speeding is not only dangerous, but also wastes considerable fuel. Ford claims that by driving at 90 kmph instead of 100 kmph will help you to increase mileage by 10-15%. Also, remember to shift gears early and cruise in top gear.
# No idling
New generation engines are sophisticated and refined. You can gently drive away even after a cold start instead of idling the engine for a warm up. Secondly, remember to turn off the engine when the car is estimated to remain stationary for more than 30 seconds. We often face such situations at traffic signals and simply turning off the engine can save a lot of fuel and lessen pollution too.
# Remove unnecessary cargo
Reducing the amount of cargo you keep in your trunk or back seat can improve your fuel efficiency as less energy is needed for acceleration. Try to travel as light as possible, keep only the most important items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small tool-kit, and a small jack) in the vehicle.
# Reduce aerodynamic drag
Nowadays all cars are designed for good aerodynamics. While it may be a practical idea to attach a roof carrier for accommodating excess luggage, on the flip side it creates more wind resistance. This not only reduces fuel economy but is also adversely affects the car’s stability at high speeds. So, if you spend a lot of time on the highway or are planning a long trip, try to transport extra items inside the vehicle or attached to the rear.
# Use the AC only on highways
Fuel bills tend to escalate when you use the AC constantly. So if it is not too hot, just switch off the AC and roll down the windows while driving around in town. Ford recommends using the air-conditioner only at speeds of 90 kmph or higher for 2 reasons. It helps in lowering wind resistance at high speeds since all windows are shut and the engine produces more power to run the AC compressor more efficiently.
# Use cruise control
Ford suggests activating Cruise Control while driving on open highways because maintaining a constant speed in top gear will lower fuel consumption. So if you are out on a long highway trip, remember to set the cruise control once you reach optimum speed. This will not only save fuel but will also make your drive relatively stress-free.
# Combine trips
Many short trips will use more fuel than a single, longer trip. So when you have to drive for errands, get as many accomplished as you can in one trip to maximize your fuel economy.
HAPPY MOTORING ….
