You don’t have to be an eco-warrior to realize that fuel efficiency is a must among vehicle owners. In addition to promoting healthier environment and lesser carbon emission, having a fuel efficient vehicle promotes practicality. It is no secret that fuel prices are much higher compared to that of years ago, and because of this, owning and driving a vehicle has become more of a luxury than a necessity.
You don’t need to lose your car and turn to bicycle to avoid that hassle of rising fuel costs; all you have to do is to improve your driving and car maintenance practices. There are many ways you could do to save money on fuel consumption. Below are some of the tips auto industry experts suggest to people who want to save hundreds of dollars on fuel costs.
Choose a Fuel Efficient Vehicle
If you can go for a hybrid vehicle, do so, but if you cannot let go of power and convenience of typical motorized vehicle, then go for a much more fuel efficient vehicle. If you are about to shop for a new vehicle, do not just consider the brand, model, aesthetics, and engine power, also factor in the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating. There are many sedans, pickup trucks, and SUVs that promote fuel efficiency and you may want to go for these vehicles instead of their gas-guzzling counterparts.
Take Care of Your Tyres
You may think that your car’s tyres do not play a role in fuel efficiency but in reality they actually do. According to car experts, for every two PSI that a vehicle’s tyres are underinflated, fuel consumption increases by one percent. This is why it is very important for any car owner to have his or her tyres checked before driving, especially before long drives. It is likewise vital to get the right tyres for your vehicle. Choosing eco-friendly tyres can save you up to five percent on fuel savings, as experts suggest.
Know where you are going
Before leaving your home or office, make sure that you know the route you are going to as it will save you fuel more than you could imagine. One of the common reasons why a car owner’s fuel consumption soars is due to unplanned routes and journey. It is always a good practice to plan your journey in advance, especially if you are going on a long trip. You may also want to know the traffic situation of the place where are you heading to before hitting the road in order to know whether or not the route you have mind is ideal. Moreover, there are many traffic apps you can use on your smart phone that can you help you avoid heavy traffic.
Invest on GPS Tracking Device
You may think that only fleet businesses should get tracking devices, but the truth is, such devices can also be helpful to private vehicle owners. By having a GPS system in your vehicle you can expect to have an easier time knowing the best routes for your journey. As a result, your GPS tracking device can help you save on fuel consumption since it will come in handy in identifying routes with heavy traffic, guiding you to better routes.
Turn Off Engine
If you are in a bad traffic or waiting for someone, it is better to turn off your car’s engine. According to experts, an idling car engine can burn up to 3.5 litres of fuel in an hour. Turning off your engine while idle will not only save you money on gas but also prevent unnecessary carbon emission.
Fuel efficiency is a must these days. If you want to save money on fuel and to help the environment, then be a responsible and practical car owner and driver.
