Operating a car daily is inarguably an expensive endeavour. With skyrocketing prices of petrol, it is not surprising to know that many motorists are looking for ways to become more efficient in their car utilisation to save money. Let’s look at the various ways you can enhance your car’s fuel efficiency, ensuring you are getting more from a full tank of fuel.
Make it a habit to check tyre pressure
Tyres naturally lose air over time. In fact, it can lose up to 2 PSI every month with regular driving. With this in mind, it is important to check your vehicle’s tyre pressure as this measure alone can help you save fuel.
Apart from enhancing fuel efficiency, ensuring the tyre pressure is within ideal levels improves their tread as well. If your tires feature incorrect pressure, you will end up using more fuel to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Get rid of excess weight
Excess items will weigh your car down. If you aren’t using some objects stored in your car, simply leave them at your home or garage. Easy activities such as contributing to boosting your vehicle’s overall efficiency.
Additional car accessories such as roof racks should be removed if you aren’t using them regularly. Items like this create drag which uses more fuel. Bear in mind that a mere 100 pounds in the trunk of your car lowers fuel economy by up to two percent.
Routine Maintenance
Car servicing which involves regularly checking various vehicle components, including the tyres will greatly enhance your fuel efficiency in the long run. Making sure that all car components are running smoothly is an excellent way of not only ensuring safety but its overall operation on the road, too.
Better Driving Habits
Taking good care of your car through regular servicing will improve your car’s fuel economy, and so is better driving practices. For instance, if you have bad driving habits such as over speeding, too much use of acceleration at high revs makes your car less fuel efficient. Instead, why not make it a habit to go on cruise control to maintain regular speed resulting in better fuel consumption.
Unnecessary Use of Air Conditioning
Unless it is frustratingly hot and humid, refrain from using your car air conditioning system. The air conditioning system burns more fuel when it is turned on. This is especially true when you are driving slower than usual. The same can be said when heated windscreens are turned on during the colder months of the year.
Replace oxygen sensor of exhaust system in older car makes and models
If your car was built in the mid 80s, chances are it is outfitted with an oxygen sensor within its exhaust system. If this is true in your case, it is recommended to replace them as soon as possible. Your car manufacturer will provide you with recommendations on what specific product to replace it with. The oxygen sensor consumes a lot of fuel; hence replacing it with a newer model will improve your fuel efficiency.
- Drive in the highest gear possible
Driving at the highest gear possible without placing too much strain on the engine is one of the best ways to make the most out of the fuel in your rank. For instance, if you are driving at 60km/h, your vehicle will only consume 25 percent more fuel in third gear than when you drive in fifth gear. On the other hand, travelling at faster speeds will consume up to 45 percent more fuel than necessary.
If you drive a new car model, you may want to look at its built-in trip computer. This device features an instant fuel economy setting that automatically signals the vehicle to operate smoothly while reducing fuel consumption.
- Select the right petrol for your car
Check your vehicle’s owner manual and identify the recommended octane retain for your engine. In essence, the octane rating measures petrol’s ability to resist engine knock. By rule, the higher the octane rating, the higher its market price.
But did you know that despite the common misconception that performance lies in your car’s petrol, only a mere six percent of new car models require petrol with a higher octane. Avoid purchasing higher octane petrol as this does not always translate to superior performance.
You can actually enhance your car’s mileage by up to two percent simply by following your manufacturer’s gasoline recommendation.
As you can see, various factors influence the way your car consumes petrol. If you want to ensure fuel efficiency, simply start following the pointers mentioned above. As car inspection is an integral activity to improve fuel economy, we highly recommend driving your car to a trusted car mechanic in Sydney. HP Automotive has been providing unmatched services and customer support to commercial and residential vehicle owners in Sydney. Should you need to schedule an appointment, call our direct line on 02 9979 8372 today.