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When was the last time you saw fuel prices come down? This is something which we have rarely heard of in the last couple of years, although the fuel hike has always made the news. Anyways, as we cannot do much in terms of keeping the prices intact or lower them, what we can certainly do is find ways to save fuel as much as we can. This way we will not only have savings on our side but also be contributing towards the mother earth. Remember, it is not only the vehicle that will bail you out from the fuel consumption burden, but it depends on your driving style too.
So let’s learn some important ways which can lead to decent fuel saving.
Tyre Pressure Inspection
Be it idle or moving, as a natural phenomenon, tyres tend to lose air at about 2-4 PSI every month. The rate of air loss also depends upon the condition of the tyre and outside weather/temperature. Tyre air pressure as recommended by the manufacturer ensures less energy application in moving your car, and easy movement of the engine means low fuel gulping. Regular air pressure check not only improves fuel efficiency but also results in smoother handling and better control of your car.
Also Read: Tyre Checklist
Get rid of extra weight
Make your vehicle lighter by removing those needless bulky items and baggage inside the boot. If you have returned from a vacation or an adventurous trip, take out the unnecessary stuff that you have been carrying since you came back. It can be kid’s buggy, tricycle/cycle, etc., or even folding tent, shovel, sports items. Car’s increased weight demands more effort from the engine to pull, hence more fuel consumption. Imagine, even the weight of 50-60 kilograms will see the consumption of fuel go up by 1-2 percent.
Wheel alignment and balancing
Yes, you read it right, even proper wheel alignment can play a fairly important role in boosting your vehicle’s fuel economy. On a general note, wheel alignment is dedicated to the uniform wear and extended tread life of the tyres. However, periodic alignment combined with tyre balancing assures even rotation of the wheel around the axle, and slight imbalance can cause irregular tyre wear. Remember that uniform tyre wear around the tyre circumference lessens rolling friction and low rolling resistance results in better fuel mileage.
Recommended Tips: Tyre Care
Driving habits
Understand that driving constantly at a moderate speed translates into better fuel economy of a vehicle. This boils down to the fact that it is not only the regular engine tuning and servicing that will help you achieve your goal but also improvement in your own driving behaviour. Unnecessary acceleration and speeding at high revs cause high fuel burning. If you mostly travel long-distance or when you are travelling on highways, you can make use of cruise control feature (if your vehicle has one) and maintain a constant speed. Similarly, frequent hard braking in city traffic or highways also leads to excess fuel intake, therefore retain adequate distance with the front vehicle. This will ensure safety as well as prevent frequent braking.
Check tyre before buying
While buying a new set of tyres, you decide whether to go with a tube-type or tubeless, check its tread design, brand, warranty, etc. But how often you check its performance ratings provided by the company. Yes, nearly every brand, if not all, provide with rating chart, comprising of wet/dry performance, grip, longevity, and also fuel efficiency. You read it right, even fuel mileage performance is mentioned on the label or on the brand’s website. Keeping the interest of the efficiency conscious consumers the tyres are endowed with special compound that performs even wear, less friction and low rolling resistance. So, next time make ensure you pick fuel-friendly tyre for prolonged fuel savings.
Use air conditioner only when necessary
Extracting maximum fuel efficiency from your car is your ultimate goal. To achieve this you should take care of every feature or thing that makes your engine and its component work harder than usual. One such element is the air conditioning system of your car. Keep in mind that when car AC is low on gas, and instead of cool air it blows a bit warm air, it immediately needs to be refilled with gas. Because the warmer the air it will apply additional exertion on car’s engine to extract cold air (which is not there) causing a drop in fuel economy. Furthermore, try not to use AC excessively during traffic jam situations, as engine applies more pressure to provide you with cool air while in stop and go traffic.
Regular car servicing
Maintenance and servicing of the car at regular intervals is a must for better fuel economy and hassle-free everyday driving. This way car remains in better shape for long. One of the reasons why your car is unable to pass on mileage like it use to deliver when new, is the overtime wearing of components making them less efficient. To derive best of mileage, you need to get the oil of the vehicle changed, and get the filters, spark plugs, spark plug wires examined on a regular basis for faults. According to a study, an engine in a poor state of tune can lose up to 15-20 percent of its original fuel mileage.
Go with OE tyres as replacement
When a vehicle manufacturer certifies or tests a car’s fuel economy, a lot depends upon the tyre too, to attain the maximum possible fuel economy figures. Also, after thorough research a car maker – depending upon the overall weight, segment, and other characteristics of a car – zeroes upon its rim size, rubber quality, rolling resistance, etc. And if you find the performance of the original equipment (OE) tyres satisfactory – or excellent – you should stick to the same set of wheels as a replacement, without experimenting with them and repenting later.
Fuel up as needed
Some people like to keep their vehicle’s tank full all the time. If you are one of them, knowing or unknowingly, this count as invisible excess baggage you carry every time with you, needed or not needed. Hence refill up to the brim only when it is needed the most – during long-distance tours, frequent highway trips, etc. – and elsewhere fill as much fuel as you need. Also if you commute frequently to known destinations, you can have a note of the fuel needed (in litres, not in rupees) to travel from A to B, as a result, you don’t have to fill any vague quantity.
Inspect TWI often
This is important and is ignored mostly. The tyre ‘contact patch’ i.e. the area that is in constant touch with the surface – while standstill or moving – is off nearly a palm-size. And if that too is not in recommended shape it will affect the fuel consumption. Bear in mind, if your car tyres are worn out they will not only impact stability, handling and braking but will also skid more requiring the engine to work harder in moving the vehicle further (high rolling friction). As a result, it is suggested to change the tyre as soon as they touch the tread wear indicator (TWI) mark, provided on the tread grooves.
So, these are some practical methods by which anyone can extract maximum fuel efficiency out of their vehicle. Following these tips will not only get you more kilometres for your penny but will also ensure safer drives every time you are behind the wheel – alone or with loved ones. Happy fuel savings!
