Whether you drive a small city car or a large one, these techniques can help you get the most out of every liter of fuel.
In today’s time of inflation and rising cost of living, the issue of fuel economy is becoming increasingly important for many drivers. With fuel prices constantly increasing, many are facing challenges when it comes to filling their tanks. In cities, traffic jams have become almost everyday, and every hour spent in traffic significantly increases fuel consumption.
Many drivers are forced to think about how to reduce the cost of driving in order to preserve their budget. In addition to the financial aspect, saving fuel also has environmental significance, reducing emissions of harmful gases.
Simple tricks for lower fuel consumption
In such circumstances, finding ways to save fuel becomes extremely important. Fortunately, there are a number of simple methods by which we can reduce fuel consumption, save money and at the same time contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Accelerate gently and maintain a constant speed
How you operate the gas pedal has a huge impact on fuel economy. Sudden acceleration and frequent speed changes significantly increase consumption. Instead, try to accelerate gradually and maintain a constant speed whenever possible.
Experts recommend that you spend about five seconds to accelerate from zero to 20 km/h. Once you reach your desired speed, keep it as constant as possible.
Research has shown that varying the speed between 75 and 85 km/h every 18 seconds can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent. Therefore, when driving on the highway, consider using cruise control to maintain a constant speed. However, keep in mind that slight variations in speed can be beneficial when gravity is working for you. When it’s safe to do so, let your speed drop a bit on the climb, then pick up momentum again on the descent.
Anticipating traffic
Anticipating traffic situations can significantly reduce the need for sudden braking and acceleration. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and follow the movement of pedestrians and other vehicles.
Try to predict when the traffic light will change or when the vehicle in front of you will slow down. This will allow you to gradually adjust your speed instead of braking suddenly. This driving style not only saves fuel, but is also safer.
Whenever possible, plan your routes in advance to avoid congestion and traffic jams. Use navigation apps that provide real-time traffic information. Sometimes a slightly longer route with fewer stops can be more efficient than a shorter route with lots of traffic lights and traffic. Combining several shorter trips into one longer one can also be beneficial. Your vehicle’s engine works most efficiently when it reaches optimum operating temperature, which usually happens after 15-20 minutes of driving.
Avoiding high speeds
Although it can be tempting to drive faster, especially on the highway, high speeds significantly increase fuel consumption. Most vehicles are most efficient at speeds between 50 and 80 km/h.
At speeds above 80 km/h, fuel consumption increases dramatically due to increased air resistance. For example, driving at a speed of 120 km/h uses about 20 percent more fuel than driving at 100 km/h. On a 25 km trip, this difference in speed would only save you two minutes, but would significantly increase fuel consumption.
In addition, driving at lower speeds is safer and reduces the risk of traffic accidents. Try to stick to the speed limit – not only will you save fuel, but you’ll also avoid potential speeding tickets. If your vehicle has “eco mode”, consider using it. This mode usually limits engine power and adjusts air conditioning to reduce energy consumption.
Using inertia to slow down
Every time you apply the brakes, you lose the kinetic energy of your vehicle. Instead, try to use inertia to slow down whenever possible.
While driving, you can often predict when you will need to slow down. In those situations, simply take your foot off the gas pedal and let the vehicle slow down on its own. This is especially effective when approaching a traffic light or intersection.
For vehicles with a manual transmission, you can use the engine braking technique. Instead of pressing the clutch, leave the vehicle in gear and let the engine slow the vehicle down. This not only saves fuel, but also reduces brake wear. In electric and hybrid vehicles, this technique is even more efficient thanks to regenerative braking. This system converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy back into electrical energy, charging the battery and extending the vehicle’s range.
Avoiding engine idling
Leaving the engine running while the vehicle is stationary wastes fuel unnecessarily. If you expect to stand for more than a minute, it pays to turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to start and stop frequently, so this will not damage your vehicle.
According to research, an average vehicle with a three-liter engine consumes about 300 milliliters of fuel for every 10 minutes of idling. It may seem small, but it accumulates over time, especially if you often stand in crowds or wait for someone.
Many modern vehicles have an automatic engine start and stop system that does this for you. If your vehicle has this option, consider using it. However, be careful on very hot days – sometimes it’s better to leave the engine running to keep the air conditioning running, especially if you have small children or pets in the vehicle.
Also, keep in mind that frequent starting and stopping of the engine can increase wear on the starter motor and battery. Therefore, it is important to find a balance and use common sense in different situations.
Fuel consumption monitoring
One of the most effective ways to reduce fuel consumption is to simply monitor how much fuel you use. Many modern vehicles have built-in fuel consumption monitoring systems, but even if your vehicle doesn’t have such a system, you can keep your records.
Record how much fuel you fill up and how many kilometers you travel between fill-ups. Over time, you will get a clear picture of how much your vehicle consumes and how different driving styles affect consumption. This tracking can be surprisingly motivating. Research has shown that drivers who actively monitor their fuel consumption often reduce their consumption by 10 percent or more, simply by becoming more aware of their driving habits.
Many smartphone apps can help you track your fuel consumption. Some even allow comparison with other drivers of the same vehicle model, which can provide additional motivation for improvement, writes “Consumer Reports”, reports Net.hr.
Source: Danas.rs
Photo: Autoblog.rs archive
Source: autoblog.rs
