Most people believe that whether a car is fuel-efficient or not depends entirely on the manufacturer. In reality, proper driving habits are the most effective way to reduce fuel costs.
Even small changes in driving behavior can lead to significant savings in environmentally friendly fuel consumption. These 10 habits will help you SAVE up to 25% on your fuel costs each month.
Smart driving not only helps you save fuel and money but also protects the environment and makes the streets safer for everyone.
- Drive Smoothly and Slow Down
Driving habits such as speeding and sudden braking can lead to increased fuel consumption. Therefore, unless it's an emergency, accelerate gently, brake early and smoothly to save fuel while also extending the lifespan of your brakes and tires.
Additionally, using the cruise control system whenever possible on the highway will help maintain a steady speed and save 10 to 15% on fuel.
- Forget the Tip “Let the Engine Idle to Warm Up”
Modern engines do not require warming up. You should start driving right after starting the engine, avoiding idling. Idling wastes fuel and increases emissions that pollute the environment.
- Reduce Wind Resistance
Your vehicle is designed to minimize wind resistance. If you're traveling a long distance, try to organize your cargo in the cabin or secure it at the back of the vehicle.
Also, closing the side windows and sunroof will help reduce wind resistance. Remember: THE LESS WIND RESISTANCE, THE MORE FUEL YOU SAVE.
- Use Air Conditioning Instead of Opening Windows
This habit should only be applied when driving at speeds above 90 km/h for two reasons: first, it enhances the vehicle's aerodynamics, and second, at high RPMs, the engine generates enough energy for the air conditioning system to operate efficiently without wasting fuel.
If the weather is not too hot and you're driving in the city, slightly open the windows and turn off the air conditioning to save 15% on fuel.
- Use Cruise Control
Activating the cruise control system not only frees your foot while driving at high speeds but also enhances fuel savings by maintaining a stable speed and preventing fuel wastage during acceleration. Set the system at the speed that optimizes fuel efficiency, as long as it does not exceed the legal speed limit.
- Regular Vehicle Maintenance
How you maintain your vehicle also significantly affects fuel consumption. When your car is always operating at its best, energy consumption is minimized.
You can save an average of 4% on fuel if you thoroughly repair any issues related to emissions control. Notably, fuel efficiency can improve by up to 40% if a faulty oxygen sensor in the engine is replaced.
- Maintain Standard Tire Pressure
Keeping your tires inflated to the recommended pressure ensures safer driving, better handling, increased tire longevity, and improved fuel efficiency. Be careful not to overinflate tires, as this reduces traction, shortens tire life, and is unsafe.
- Plan a Reasonable Schedule
Everyone knows that taking multiple short trips consumes more fuel than one long trip. Therefore, when you have errands to run, try to combine them along the same route to use fuel more efficiently.
- Reduce Unnecessary Cargo
The lighter the load in your vehicle, the less fuel is needed for acceleration. Try to travel with the minimum amount of items possible, only keeping essential items (e.g., a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a small tool kit, and a small emergency kit) in the vehicle.
- Use Recommended Engine Oil
Using the recommended oil type (as specified in the owner’s manual) will help the lubrication system operate at maximum efficiency. Using the wrong type of oil can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 2%.
