Petrol and diesel prices have always been burning a hole in the pockets of Indian car owners. Saving even 10% on fuel expenses means a lot of money. Luckily, you can do that by making a few changes in your driving habits.
Here are a few tips that you can follow while driving to increase the fuel efficiency of your car.
1. High Speeds & Closed Windows Go Together.
Many drivers feel that shutting down the AC and keeping windows open for ventilation helps in increasing fuel efficiency. This logic works only if you drive at slower speeds of 30 to 40 kmph. But as you increase the speed and cross 80 kmph, engine is stressed to generate more power due to air drag created from the outside. Hence, it is advisable to keep the windows closed while driving at high speeds.
Also, remove the roof rack or cargo box at the top if you don’t need it. It can enhance your fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent in a year.
2. Slower Speeds Use Less Fuel
Driving at high speeds means that you are pushing the engine harder. Driving at slower speeds relaxes the engine and also reduces the air drag. All this contributes to increased fuel efficiency. For instance, if you reduce the speed of your car from 120 kmph to 90 kmph, your car will consume up to 25 percent less fuel.
3. Pressing The Accelerator Might Not Be A Good Idea
Some drivers habitually rev the car harder for faster acceleration. For instance, there is no need to rev the vehicle up to 3500 RPM (petrol car) before changing the gear. You can easily change the gear at 2500 RPM without any issue. The same applies for diesel vehicles; try changing gears after you reach 2000 RPM.
4. Study The Road Wisely
Sensible driving is all about anticipating bumps, speed breakers, traffic signals and abruptly applying the brakes. Read the road carefully to avoid abrupt braking and accelerating. Drive smoothly in heavy traffic to avoid unnecessary revving and braking.
5. Pay Attention To The Tyres
Well-maintained tyres give better grip to the car and help in a smoother ride. Check for wear and tear. Change tyres on time as soon as the tread wears out.
Maintaining the requisite tyre pressure will help you increase the by fuel efficiency by up to 2 percent. Get the tyre pressure checked weekly if your car is not equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Above mentioned tips can greatly help in increasing the fuel efficiency of car and save significant money in the long run.
