|
Other ideas to improve your fuel consumption:
You can get the best mileage possible from your car by keeping it in top shape and using some easy energy saving ideas. It's important for vehicles to be maintained properly so that they run efficiently, especially at times like now when the price of a litre of fuel has increased dramatically.
Tune ups: Probably the biggest waste of fuel is an improperly tuned engine. A rough running engine uses more fuel quicker than a properly tuned engine. Always make sure to check and change your spark plugs at appropriate replacement intervals.
Tire pressure: Under inflation or over inflation of tires can lead to decreased fuel mileage and improper wear, shortening the life of your tires. Check your owner's manual or door jamb for the recommended tire pressure and check your tires regularly with a tire pressure gauge.
Air filters: Dirty air filters can also cause your engine to run at less than peak efficiency. Regular visual checks of the air filter will tell you if it needs replacing (especially if you drive on dirt roads or in dusty environments) and your owner's manual will also recommend appropriate replacement intervals.
Oil: Using the correct viscosity oil is important because higher viscosity oils have greater resistance to the moving parts of the engine, and therefore use more fuel. Always replace your oil filter when changing the oil.
Unnecessary air conditioner use: Driving with the A/C on puts a big drain on your fuel mileage. Keep it off until the summer heat sets in and you'll save.
Power accessories: Items that plug into your vehicle's cigarette lighter, such as DVD players, powerful ICE amps, can cause the alternator to work harder to provide electrical current. That adds a load to the engine and added load increases fuel use, decreasing your fuel mileage.
Driving style: Quick starts from a stoplight or stop sign use more fuel than smooth, steady acceleration. Adjust your driving style to save fuel. If you watch motorsport on TV, you may have heard the pit crew instructing their driver to “short shift” to save fuel. ie. Keep the rpms lower and change gear at or near the torque peaks. Our dyno print – outs will show you the power curves on your car.
Extended idling time: Unnecessary idling of the engine will cause excessive fuel use, and cause unnecessary emissions- If you're going to be sitting in the car for a while, shut it off.
Carrying extra weight: Do not leave unnecessary items in the boot, since every 100 kg weight increases the average consumption of the car by 0,2-0,6 l. (survey of ADAC)
Using the brakes: Every time you apply the brakes you are converting kinetic energy into heat. If you know you will have to stop, for example at a red light, slow down earlier by taking your foot off the accelerator and coast up to the light.
|