10 Advises for more economic driving
Your bill at the fuel pump is constantly increasing? It is time to take action! Read our 10 practical advices to take back the control of fueling.
Your trusted mobility partner ALD Automotive gives you valuable advises on how to drive more economically and save fuel.
1. Allow the engine to warm up
A cold engine consumes up to twice more fuel than a warm engine. Therefore allow it to warm. You can, as well, park in reverse – you need less maneuvers after you start the engine and take off in ease.
2. Don’t drive too fast
Do you know that you consume 25% more fuel iof you drive with 130 km/h compared to if you drive with 100? The most effective way to save fuel is to lift your right foot. Not to mention that you would save from fines for speeding….
3. Cruise control is a friend
Acceleration is a black hole for fuel. Aim at driving with constant speed as much as possible and avoid sudden braking. The easiest way to practice this driving style is to turn on the cruise control.
4. Anticipate
Look far in front of you and anticipate to the maximum. Would the traffic light turn red? Do you approach a traffic jam? Decelerate well in advance. Whenever the car slows down, it ceases the fuel consumption, allowing you to save significantly. Moreover, keep the distance and don’t change the lane unless it is absolutely necessary.
5. Maintain your car
Maintain regularly your car. A poorly maintained car could use 5% more fuel without you even noticing. Worn spark plugs, clogged cooling system or clogged air filter are among the elements that should be considered to decrease the fuel consumption of your car.
6. Check your tire pressure regularly
The tires that are not well pumped are softer and wider - increaing the resistance and therefore increasing your consumption with 2 to 3%. In a nutshell, check regularly the tire pressure!
7. Not too hot, not too cold
Avoid unnecessary work of the back windshield wipers and anti-freeze devices. This increases fuel consumption by 3 to 5% . The air conditioner is as well increasing the consumption that could reach even 10%. Use those moderately! It would be better for you to open the window if you are driving in the city. However, you should of course avoid doing it on the highway, as it may trouble the aerodynamics of your car, leading to increase of fuel consumption.
8. Look for a truck
Do you know that it is not necessary to step on the accelerator so much if you are driving behind a truck, bus or other vehicle bigger than yours - than it acts as a barrier for the wind.
But - be cautious and don’t drive too close to the truck, because the driver may not see you!
9. Change to higher gear as soon as possible
Change the gear to higher when you reach 2500 rpm for gasoline and 2 000 rpm for diesel car. Make sure that the engine continues working calmly. And try to take the turns at 3rd, not 2nd gear, to stay in the low revolutions range.
10. Plan your itinerary
Check in advance if there are traffic jams or deviations on the itinerary that you want to follow. Every change in your trip would take you time as well as would consume fuel. And for your shorter trips – can you use a bicycle? It is good for your wallet, as well as for the environment and your health!