Master Fuel-Efficient Driving - Vol.109
We all love the 60's for giving us so much to cherish. While the Beatles paved way for the British invasion of the US music industry, American muscle cars were invading the roads all across the globe. Those V8 loaded rods were powerful, wonderful and simply the most beautiful man made marvel to ever hit the roads. That was the time when music was sweet, people were happy and gas was cheap.
The oil crisis has ended it all. Today, people are more interested in cars that can help them save a few bucks rather than turn a few heads. Every manufacturer is throwing in an electric or hybrid with some revolutionary technology. Unfortunately, the price of these cars is way too high for someone who cares about saving money.
The good news is you don't really need those new-age cars with high-tech gimmicks to save your fuel money. There are a few fuel-efficient driving tips that you can master in order to considerably cut down your fuel expense. Let's take look.
Regular Maintenance
Spending a few dollars on maintenance will help you save a lot more on fuel. A regular maintenance checklist should include type pressure check and proper oil and filter change after the recommended period. This actually relives your engine of extra stress so that it can perform smoothly without guzzling gallons of gas.
Don't Idle
Idling is another fuel-consuming habit we have developed since the muscle car era. It wastes more fuel as compared to stopping and starting your engine. If you are required to stop for more than three minutes, it is best to turn the engine off rather than idling. In most new cars, restarting the car without accelerating will virtually consume no fuel at all.
Gear Up the Right Way
It is true that manual transmission can offer better fuel-economy than automatic. The secret, however, lies in the way you shift. Driving in lower gear or allowing engine to rev up for longer will simply not help at all. It is best to shift-up before reaching 2500 rpm on a petrol engine. Also, make sure you don't shift gears unnecessarily. You may not realize it but perfect shift timing can create unbelievable difference in the mileage of your car.
Let the Air Flow
All the electronic systems in your car will cause the engine to consume more fuel. This mainly includes the air-conditioner. Unless the heat is way past your endurance level, it is always good to drive with the windows down rather than with the AC on. Soak some Vitamin D from the sun and let the blowing wind cheer you up on the way. That is unless you are on the highway. At higher speeds, keeping the windows down will increase the drag and cause the engine to consume more fuel. Therefore, AC proves to be a better option on the highways and freeways.
Ease up on the Pedal
Excitement, impatience, agony and anger are pretty natural to us but that is simply not an excuse to take it all out on your accelerator. In the end your pocket would be the one to bear the brunt. Whether you are accelerating or decelerating, do it nicely and smoothly. When stopping or slowing down, smoothly release the accelerator while leaving the car in gear.
Moreover, at higher speed your car consumes lot more than it will on a lower speed. According to the figures, driving at 50mph can save 15% more fuel as compared to driving at 60 mph.
Finally, plan your trips and try using alternatives, such as walking, for shorter trips round the block. With all these tips followed like a true believer, you can actually improve your fuel-economy by 33%.