With the cost of fuel prices rising almost every year, good fuel economy practices are quickly becoming adopted by more and more car owners. Car makers all over the world are also making an effort to ensure that they produce sleek but efficient engines that get better fuel economy than ever. There have been a number of fuel economy products developed, too. Despite all the improvements that are being made, attaining good fuel efficiency is not only influenced by the engine. The driver of a car also plays a crucial role in getting good gas mileage. If you are seeking ways to promote your fuel economy, you will find the tips below helpful.
How to Receive Good Fuel Economy
Less Hard Braking, More Slow Starts & Stops
The majority of drivers make the mistake of accelerating and braking hard. This happens mostly because drivers tend to be in a hurry to arrive at their destinations. Heavy braking and acceleration increases fuel consumption massively — not to mention it’s hard on your brakes, too. Slow acceleration in combination with moderate braking is the most effective way to combat bad gas mileage.
Use Cruise Control for Improved Fuel Economy
Make use of your car’s cruise control function, as this is a helpful way to avoid speeding. Additionally, it helps drivers maintain a consistent pace, particularly during long drives. On lengthy trips, it can be difficult to maintain the same speed. As a result, you may be forced to make adjustments in your speed either by slowing down or speeding up, thereby adding stress to the engine. By locking the speed of your car using cruise control, your engine will find it easier to maintain a constant pace. Less stress on the engine and a solid pace can help you get better fuel economy.
Avoid Unnecessary Idling
Unnecessary idling must be avoided at all costs. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are forced to stop your journey for some time, it is advisable that you turn off your engine instead of letting it run, as this action consumes fuel. Some cars consume as much as half a gallon of fuel every hour the air conditioner is on and when the engine is idling. To attain good fuel economy, switch off your engine and restart it whenever you are ready to begin driving again.
Less Aggressive Driving = Better Fuel Economy
Aggressive driving is another unnecessary driving habit that can harm your fuel economy. This sort of driving puts stresses on the engine and forces it to work extra hard. As a result, more fuel will be used. When you drive aggressively, you can reduce the fuel economy of your car by almost 33 percent. Because of this, you need to learn how to accelerate and brake gradually. This will enable your automobile to either decrease or increase its pace in a smooth manner, thereby limiting the amount of work that is required to perform.
Drive in the Proper Gear
Make a point of driving in the correct gear whenever possible. Engaging in the highest gear is a good measure to take at about 2000-2500 rpm (diesel engines differ, so be sure to ask a professional what range is best for your vehicle). However, when you are going up a hill, better fuel economy can be achieved by shifting down to lower gears, since high gears will not be appropriate for these conditions.
Practicing Good Fuel Economy Tactics Saves Money and Improves Safety
Maximizing fuel economy in your vehicle largely depends on your ability to drive a car efficiently, avoiding unnecessary and aggressive driving tactics. Apart from saving a substantial amount of gas money each year, you will also stay safer on the roads. All the advancements made in engine technology and fuel economy products will not be of much help if you drive aggressively and dangerously.
To learn how Sallas Auto Repair can help you improve your fuel economy and enhance your car’s overall performance, contact us at (816) 765-6060 today.