Our world is desperately searching for answers to the two biggest problems we all face: saving energy and protecting the environment. Our environment continues to suffer under the strain of toxic pollutants from vehicle emissions. Moreover, the price of fuels is at an all-time high and continues to climb. So the right attitude to save fuel would mean so much to preserve our environment and also your… Wallet!
Fuel-efficient driving is a series of habits to adopt to save fuel and money, drive safer, and reduce the environmental impact of your car. But even if you don’t currently own a fuel-efficient car, there are lots of ways you can improve the fuel efficiency of your present vehicle until you’re ready to purchase one of the best gas-mileage cars. Your driving habits have a big effect on your fuel use and costs. You can better manage your vehicle’s operating costs as well as minimize the emissions it produces by driving less and more efficiently. Here are some tips to help.
Driving slower & Maintaining a constant speed
Try always to drive smart and slower, and keep a steady speed. Driving over the speed limit can decrease your fuel economy by up to 33%!
Speeding uses up more fuel, so it is important to stick usually to the speed limit. Not only it’s safer for you and others, but it will also help you save money on fuel. When you push your car to move at higher speeds, this requires more fuel to keep the car running. Driving at or close to the speed limit allows your car to move using the least amount of energy possible. This will improve your fuel efficiency, and save you money in the long run.
Accelerate and brake gradually
This will help you conserve fuel and extend the life of your brakes. Acceleration and braking also have an impact on how much fuel your car consumes. When you accelerate quickly, or brake suddenly, this requires more energy and causes the engine to work harder. This will use up more fuel, and it can also wear out your brakes faster.
Instead of accelerating or braking abruptly, try to do so gradually. This will help conserve fuel, and it will also be easier on your car’s components. It might for sure take a little bit longer to get where you are going this way. But it is worth it for the money you will save on gas.
Keep your car well-maintained
If you want to save more fuel and therefore the environment, take always care that your car is well maintained. A well-maintained car is more fuel efficient than a car that isn’t and reduces long-term maintenance costs while minimizing harmful emissions. Make sure to check your fluid levels regularly, and keep your tires properly inflated. We’ll give here more details:
– If your car has a faulty oxygen sensor and you have fixed it, gas mileage could improve as much as 40%.
– Make sure the spark plugs, if you have them, are firing properly, replacing them when necessary. Have the engine timing checked for accuracy.
– Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly-Replacing a clogged air filter could improve a car’s gas mileage by as much as 10%. Additionally, it will protect your engine from impurities. Change it more often if you live in a dusty climate, or drive on dirt or gravel roads..
– Keep Tires Properly Inflated-Your gas mileage can increase by about 3.3% if you keep tires inflated to their proper pressure. It takes more effort and gas for the engine to propel an underinflated tire than a correctly inflated one. A correctly inflated tire provides less road resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Beware over-inflation, though, which can lead to handling problems and uneven tire wear. Check tire pressure regularly, looking for signs of uneven wear or embedded objects that can cause air leaks. In winter, check tire pressure if there is a sharp temperature change, as cold weather decreases air pressure in the tires.
– Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil-Fuel efficiency can improve by 1-2% if you use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Also, if you change your oil, look for motor oil rated as “Energy Conserving” to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Avoid Excess Idling
Another way to save on gas is to avoid excessive idling. If you are going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, turn off your engine. Idling wastes gasoline and increases emissions, so it is always better to switch off your engine if you don’t need it running.
Minimize air conditioning
One of the best ways to save more fuel and consequently your environment is minimizing the time of use of your car conditioner. Using your air conditioner in hot weather can increase your fuel consumption by more than 20% in city driving. Whenever possible, close all windows and use the air vents to circulate air instead of air conditioning. You will improve your fuel efficiency in summer by minimizing the use of air conditioning and using your car’s flow-through ventilation, especially on the highway. If you must use the air conditioning, then set the controls to a level that lets the system cycle, and turn it off once the interior of the car is cooled down enough. Also, consider such options a sunroof and tinted glass to keep the car cool.
Plan out your trips in advance
Planning your trips also allows you to map out the most efficient route to take. That can further improve fuel efficiency. Taking the most direct route may not always be the quickest, but it will save you gas in the long run.
If others are also looking to travel in the same direction, then carpooling is also a good idea and a great way to save on fuel costs.
Benefits of fuel-efficient strategy
There are many benefits to maximizing the fuel efficiency of your car, and these include:
- Saving money on gas.
- Reducing your carbon footprint.
- Improving the overall performance of your car.
Conclusion
Each of these benefits is important, and together they can make a real difference in terms of improving both your driving experience and the environment. By following some or all of the tips listed above, you can help to save fuel, money, and the environment at the same time.
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