 10
Tips To Help You Reduce Fuel Costs: Victoria's RACV
The
more fuel your car uses, the more it impacts on the environment.
Following these 10 tips will reduce your fuel costs, air pollution
and greenhouse gases.
1.
Accelerate Gently
Avoid high revs. Automatic transmissions will shift up
more quickly and smoothly if you ease back slightly on the accelerator
once the car is moving. To maintain low revs in manual cars, you
should change up through the gears as soon as the car is comfortable
with the next higher gear. Don't rev the car unnecessarily.
2.
Flow Smoothly With The Traffic
Be aware of traffic conditions ahead so you can anticipate
the next stop and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Driving
a good distance from the car in front means you can see what is
happening ahead and you don't have to brake every time they do.
As well as saving fuel, smoother driving is safer.
3.
Avoid Excessive Speeds
High speeds result in high fuel consumption. Where it is
safe to do so, cruising slightly below the speed limit will save
you fuel. Traveling at 100km/h instead of 110km/h can reduce fuel
consumption by 10%.
4.
Avoid Lengthy Idling
Turn off your engine when stopped for an extended period
and not in traffic. By having the engine switched off, even for
a short period, you will save more fuel than is lost from the burst
of fuel involved in restarting the engine. The net increased wear
and tear from this practice is negligible. Most cars do not need
to be 'warmed up' prior to driving off. After starting the engine,
move off as soon as it is safe to.
5.
Avoid Congested Traffic And Driving More Than Necessary
The best way to reduce fuel consumption is to reduce the
amount of driving you do. Consider combining trips, car pooling
or using other modes of transport. Replacing short trips with walking
or cycling is particularly good as cars are least efficient and
most polluting when the engine is cold at the start of trips. Stop-start
driving is very fuel inefficient, so plan your travel to avoid driving
in congested traffic.
6.
Keep Your Car Well Maintained
If your vehicle is running correctly, it will use less fuel and
be more reliable. Have it serviced in accordance with the owner's
manual (usually every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first)
and regularly check oil, coolant and other fluid levels. Watch out
for any changes in the way the car handles or sounds as these changes
could indicate a problem that needs fixing. A smoky exhaust means
the engine needs checking. Keep a record of your fuel consumption
as increasing fuel consumption can also be a sign of a problem.
7.
Keep Tyres Properly Inflated
Inflate your vehicle's tyres to the higher end of the manufacturer's
recommended range of tyre pressures and make sure your wheels are
properly aligned. Looking after your tyres will not only reduce
your fuel consumption it will also extend tyre life and improve
handling.
8.
Use The Air Conditioner Sparingly
Air conditioners can increase fuel consumption by between 5 and
10%, particularly on very hot days. However, at higher speeds, use
of air conditioning is better for fuel consumption than an open
window. Leaking air conditioner gases can contribute to the greenhouse
problem. To keep the air conditioner operating properly and avoid
leaks, you may need to use it regularly throughout the year for
a short period as well as having it regularly serviced. Check the
owner's manual.
9.
Minimise Wind Resistance
Remove roof racks and other attachments when they are not being
used. Additional parts on the exterior of a vehicle such as roof
racks or sun visors, or having the window open when traveling at
higher speeds, increases wind resistance and fuel consumption.
10.
Remove Unnecessary Weight From The Car
Remove
unnecessary items from the boot. The more weight a vehicle carries
the more fuel it uses, particularly in urban driving.
These
tips are reprinted with thanks to the RACV.
Call
Enviro-Friendly today on (02) 6282 6266, and find out how we
can help you
"Save water, save energy, save
money, and save the environment."
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