7 Ways to maximize the fuel economy of your car

August 5, 2022 6:27 am

With fuel prices constantly on the rise and attaining record levels, fuel economy has long been an integral part of the car-buying process. However, contrary to popular belief, many other variables also come into play in attaining fuel economy and fortunately, you have more control over your fuel expenses than you might actually think. Whether it’s the constantly rising fuel prices or a means to control your budget, now is the right time to reflect on your driving habits. Therefore,  Pal Auto Garage, the top car service in Dubai has put together 7 ways you can maximize the fuel economy of your car. Let us have a look at them:

 

• Reduce your car’s weight

The heavier your car, the more fuel it will require to transport you from point A to B, as every minute percentage of additional weight can reduce your car’s mileage. Smaller vehicles tend to be more affected by this than larger ones.  

Therefore, before you hit the road, do not forget to clear out the unnecessary kinds of stuff from the car that are not required for a particular journey.

 

• Chill with the A/C

Irrespective of the make and model of your car, it is a general rule to roll down the windows, if you’re travelling at slow speeds as it is a more efficient means of cooling your car’s interior than having the air conditioner turned on. 

Whereas, if you’re cruising through the highway, it is always advised to have your windows all rolled up and the air conditioner turned on.

 

• Service and perform regular maintenance

Taking good care of your car by having it serviced and maintained on a routine basis is one of the most simple ways to improve fuel efficiency. However, it is advised that the car is serviced by a qualified mechanic as often as the vehicle manufacturer recommends.

Checking the oil levels yourself and having it changed routinely can also help in maintaining fuel efficiency. Also, make sure to speak with a mechanic in case you come across any issues or concerns. You can service your car from pal auto garage, the top car service in Dubai.

 

• Tires and tire pressures

As tires are the one and only thing that connect your car to the road, their performance is one of the biggest factors in terms of the car’s fuel economy. Underinflated tires can increase your car’s fuel consumption by as much as 3%. Moreover, without proper tire inflation, you also risk the wearing down of the treads more quickly. If you want to change your tyre, Pal auto garage is the top car service in Dubai here for you.

You can figure out the correct PSI for your tires by checking the owner’s manual or the tire wall and maintain it routinely.

 

• Focus on your driving style 

As the force you apply to your pedals increases the amount of fuel your car uses, your driving technique is directly related to your car’s fuel efficiency. For the same reasons, you should be careful about your driving habits or style.

Following are some driving habits that can have a significant impact on your car’s fuel efficiency:

 

• Accelerate and decelerate smoothly

Sudden acceleration and braking are actions or practices that waste fuel. Depending on the make and model of your car, such driving habits can negatively affect the fuel economy of the car by between 15% and 30%.

Therefore, don’t stamp on the accelerator and try to attain maximum speed instantly the next time the traffic signals turn green. The same logic applies while braking as well. While coming to a standstill, brake early and gently until you come to a stop.

 

• Check your speed and use cruise control

Even though different makes and models of cars have their own optimal speed ranges for fuel efficiency, speeding basically can result in 7% to 14% reduced fuel economy. Fuel efficiency tends to decrease above 80 kilometers per hour and therefore driving at slower speeds can save you from burning a considerable amount of fuel.

Using cruise control under appropriate conditions (especially not on hilly terrain) is another means you can improve the fuel efficiency of your car.

 

• Use your gears properly

No driving center or instructor gives much emphasis on using the gears efficiently and you simply have to learn to use it just to get the car moving at various speeds. However, to get maximum fuel efficiency from your car, it is important that you’re always using the right gear at the right time.