10 Ways To Improve Fuel Economy And Reduce Running Costs

Most of these tips are completely free and driver-dependent

Rising fuel prices are a real bummer and can burn a gaping hole in your pocket. Petrol is crossing the Rs 100 mark in most cities and towns, whereas diesel is also just shy of the three-digit mark. 

In a situation like this, you surely want to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. So, here are 10 tips that can help you do just that.

1. Avoid Idling

You should switch off the car when stuck in traffic (or anywhere else, if you’re stopping for more than a minute). Many cars now come with the automatic start/stop feature, which switches off the engine when idling. So if your vehicle has this feature, ensure you have it switched on before you set out. 

2. Maintain Recommended Tyre Pressure

The tyre pressure should be kept in check and maintained as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. The lower the tyre pressure, the lesser the fuel economy, as you’ll consume more power to accelerate (or maintain the same speed). 

3. Avoid Unnecessary Acceleration

Ideally, drive your car at a uniform speed, with linear acceleration and then at a cruising speed. Accelerating excessively (or unnecessarily) will result in erratic power consumption, leading to a rapid drop in fuel efficiency. 

4. Shift Gears At An Optimal RPM

Upshift or downshift gears at the proper RPM. If you stretch to a higher RPM, your vehicle will guzzle more fuel. Likewise, even if you accelerate at a lower-than-optimum RPM, you will end up accelerating more to pick up speed. 

5. Use AC Properly

If AC is not required, switch it off. This will save fuel. When you must switch on the AC, use it only at the optimum temperature and blower speed to check fuel efficiency. Remember, the lower the temperature of the AC, the more the power consumption. 

6. Avoid Hard (And Sudden) Braking

It is easy to overlook this point, really. If you have this habit of pressing down hard on the brakes or braking suddenly, for that matter, get rid of it. Not only does it wear out the brakes, but it also reduces fuel efficiency. The harder you brake, the more acceleration you will need to gain lost momentum. That’s precisely why it is crucial you go easy on the brakes and use them at a safe distance from your intended stopping point. 

7. Roll Up Windows At High Speeds

Keeping the windows down when travelling at high speeds increases the drag (or your vehicle’s pulling power), slowing it down in the process. When that happens, you accelerate more to maintain the same speed, which eventually takes a toll on the fuel efficiency. 

8. Keep The Car Light

If the car gets heavier, it will require more power to pick up the load. So try to keep your car as light as possible and avoid unnecessary cargo in the boot. 

9. Avail Periodic Servicing

Ensure that the fuel and air filters, lubricants, engine oils, and other parts are serviced regularly. Any malfunction in these parts can lead to fuel loss, which then can’t be fixed with any of the tips mentioned above. 

10. Pool It With Friends And Colleagues

If you want to save on your fuel expenses, the best way could be to carpool with others. That way, all the passengers can split the money on just one car, reducing individual costs in the process. 

Special Mention

Many cars now come equipped with an ‘Eco’ mode, which automatically alters the gear shifting patterns and power output for increased fuel economy. Switching it on might take the fun out of your drive, but it is a surefire way of improving fuel efficiency.