Fuel efficiency is a top priority for car owners looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact. Whether you drive a compact car, SUV, or hybrid, adopting smart driving habits and maintaining your vehicle can significantly improve fuel economy.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to get the most out of every litre of fuel. Keep reading for 8 ways you can get more bang for your buck at the petrol station today.
#1 – Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure
Keeping your tyres inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Why It Matters: Underinflated tyres create more drag, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
Best Practices:
- Check tyre pressure at least once a month.
- Inflate tyres to the correct PSI listed in your car’s manual or driver-side door frame.
- Replace worn tyres, as poor tread can increase rolling resistance.
#2 – Drive Smoothly and Avoid Rapid Acceleration
Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can lower fuel efficiency by up to 40%.
Why It Matters: Smooth driving reduces engine strain and optimises fuel use.
Best Practices:
- Accelerate gradually instead of flooring the accelerator.
- Maintain a steady speed, especially on highways.
- Anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking.
#3 – Reduce Excess Weight and Drag
Carrying unnecessary weight or using roof racks can reduce fuel economy.
Why It Matters: Extra weight and wind resistance make your engine work harder, increasing fuel consumption.
Best Practices:
- Remove heavy items from the trunk unless needed.
- Avoid using roof racks and carriers when not in use.
- Keep windows closed at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag.
#4 – Use Cruise Control on Highways
Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, reducing unnecessary fuel use.
Why It Matters: Fluctuations in speed waste fuel, while a steady pace improves efficiency.
Best Practices:
- Use cruise control on long highway trips to avoid fluctuations in speed.
- Avoid using it on hilly terrain, where manual control may be more efficient.
#5 – Limit Idling and Unnecessary Engine Use
An idling engine burns fuel without moving the car.
Why It Matters: Idling wastes fuel and produces unnecessary emissions.
Best Practices:
- Turn off the engine if parked for more than a minute.
- Avoid warming your car for long periods; modern engines don’t require it.
- Use start-stop technology if your car has it.
#6 – Keep Up with Regular Vehicle Maintenance
A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and uses less fuel.
Why It Matters: Neglecting maintenance can lead to poor fuel efficiency and costly repairs.
Best Practices:
- Change the oil at recommended intervals.
- Replace air filters and spark plugs as needed.
- Ensure the fuel system is clean and functioning correctly.
#7 – Choose the Right Fuel and Oil
Using the correct fuel type and oil recommended by the manufacturer improves performance.
Why It Matters: The right fuel and oil help maximise engine efficiency and longevity.
Best Practices:
- Follow your car’s manual for the best fuel type (regular, premium, or diesel).
- Use high-quality fuel to keep the engine clean.
- Opt for low-friction, fuel-efficient motor oil.
#8 – Plan Efficient Routes and Combine Trips
Short trips with frequent stops use more fuel than longer, uninterrupted drives.
Why It Matters: Reducing unnecessary trips saves both fuel and time.
Best Practices:
- Combine errands into one trip instead of multiple short trips.
- Use navigation apps to find the most efficient routes.
- Avoid rush hour traffic to minimise stop-and-go driving.
Final Thoughts
Improving fuel economy is not just about saving money—it also reduces carbon emissions and helps the environment. Following these best practices can make your car more efficient and get the most value out of every fuel tank.
Cars4Us offers a wide range of fuel-efficient used cars to help you drive smarter and save more. If you want to buy a used car with excellent fuel economy, browse our collection today at Cars4Us.
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