Gas prices have sky-rocketed, making it difficult for the average driver. You may not be able to readily change your work commute, but you can adjust your driving habits to save on fuel. The money you save can be used toward other things such as boosting your slush fund or buying food and supplies for emergencies.
Plan your route
We all know that sitting in traffic wastes gas. Plan your route ahead of time by using Google Maps or another mapping app. Look ahead to avoid being stuck in a traffic jam.
Lighten your load
Avoid carrying cargo on your roof if you can help it. Keeping cargo on your roof increases wind resistance and lowers fuel efficiency. Get rid of unnecessary weight by getting rid of junk. Check your car’s trunk for things you no longer use and get rid of them.
Drive between 55-65 mph
According to Fueleconomy.gov, gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph.
Avoid unnecessary bypassing
Some drivers feel the need to constantly bypass other cars to get in front of them. Doing this excessively wastes gas due to the acceleration required. Overtake sparingly.
Change gears properly
If you drive a stick shift, change gears at the right time, when the engine has reached the correct number of revs per minute.
Windows up or down?
Should you drive with the windows down or with the windows up and use the air-conditioner?
When you’re driving around town at relatively low speeds, you’ll use less gas by switching the air conditioner off and rolling down the windows. [source: Arthur]. It’s more efficient to drive with the windows down at slow speeds as opposed to faster speeds because there’s less aerodynamic drag when you’re driving slower [source: Motavalli].
SOURCE: Howstuffworks.com
When traveling at faster speeds, (50 miles per hour or 56.3 kilometers per hour or more), you are better off raising the windows up and using the air-conditioners.
Don’t turn your car off and on in a traffic jam
According to Fueleconomy.gov, “Limit engine starts to about 10 times per day on average—unless your vehicle is equipped with a stop-start system. Occasionally exceeding this limit should not cause excessive starter wear.”
Go easy on the accelerator
Putting “pedal to the metal” wastes gas. In short, aggressive driving, which includes speeding, rapid acceleration and braking lowers gas mileage. You’ll also avoid road rage incidents.
Keep a steady speed
Use cruise control on the highway to help you maintain a steady speed.
Stop slamming the brakes
Excessive braking not only causes wear and tear, it also wastes gas.
Use the correct oil
Using the wrong oil causes engine friction.
Using something other than the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil will lower your gas mileage by about 1%-2% because of increased friction in the engine; the correct oil can prevent the metal surfaces in the engine from grinding together. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory also recommends looking for oil that says “energy conserving” on the API performance symbol — an indication that it contains friction-reducing additives.
Source: Money.com
Properly inflate your tires
The correct tire pressure for your car is usually posted on a sticker in driver’s side door frame or glove compartment, as well as your owner’s manual. Buy a tire pressure gauge and check your pressure around once a month; tires are said to lose approximately two pounds of pressure per month. Properly inflated tires also keep you safe while driving as this reduces the chances of a tire blow-out.
Maintain your car
Have your car serviced as recommended by your owner’s manual. A well-maintained car keeps its fuel-efficiency.
Here is a handy infographic from SavingSpot:
Source: https://www.onstride.co.uk/blog/13-driving-tactics-save-fuel/
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Image by Sylvie Tinseau from Pixabay
