Ten fuel saving hacks every driver should know

Know simple hacks to save some bucks on petrol and use that cash for other valuable stuff. The same works for diesel as well.

As we all know, fuel prices are rising each day, and as car owners, it is totally affecting us. So here are some useful tips for saving fuel:

Reduce the number of trips

Did you know the fact that while driving a car which has been stagnant for a few hours, the fuel consumption increases when the engine is cold? Hence, try to fulfil all your commitments for the day within a single trip. For example, if you have a meeting in the afternoon and also have to drop someone at the airport, then it is advisable to do both the things within one single big trip.

Avoid driving in heavy traffic 

Spending your time stuck in a heavy traffic jam gets really frustrating and it proves to be very expensive for your vehicle too. Every time you halt in traffic, you need to start your vehicle from the first gear to get it moving. This consumes a huge quantity of fuel. The best advice to save fuel is to avoid driving in rush hour. However, if the situation demands it, you can try to save some extra fuel in traffic by pacing at a constant speed. You can also plan for alternative fuel options(like CNG) if it is compulsory for you to drive in heavy traffic.

Keep your car windows closed

The shape of your car is not very significant if you are driving within the town, but when you are pacing on the highway, it is quite important. You must have heard of the term ‘aerodynamics’. Designers are making a lot of effort to minimize the drag and make a car as slim as possible. Anything that comes as a barrier to the wind flow makes your driving experience more expensive. You can't change your car's design but you can try to reduce drag by keeping your car windows and sunroof closed. Use your car vents and air-conditioning if you always need some chilled air.

Get rid of the roof rack

This is similar to keeping your windows open, or you can say it is the worst. Even if the roof rack is kept empty, the drag is enhanced and your car uses more fuel than before. A big ski box is similar to attaching another car to your roof. The newly designed roof racks and ski boxes are easier to fit and remove. Hence, make sure to remove them and keep them aside when you are not using them.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight 

Just like the human body, a car also consumes for fuel to move around with heavy weight. Would you carry a heavy backpack while going for that long trek? Similarly, don't burden your car with unnecessary stuff. Heavier the load on your car more is the fuel consumption and lesser is the mileage.

Smooth acceleration 

The perfect way to drive around is by cruising at a constant speed (ideally at 60-70 kmph) and in the top gear. So if you have amazing patience, you are most likely to save more fuel than others. Yes, it is impossible to avoid overtaking but it is pointless to overtake a car just to stay ahead of it.

Don’t kick the accelerator too far

This one might surprise you. Drivers usually avoid changing gears by pressing the accelerator a long way. If you are one of them, please avoid doing that because it increases the fuel consumption of your car. This is not applicable for car owners with an automatic transmission.

Turn off your air conditioning

Especially for those living in metro cities, it is very tempting to keep your AC on for most of the year. It keeps your car clean and you don't have to worry about the temperature outside your car. But if you are planning to save some fuel, it is suggested to keep it off when you do not need it.

Stick to a speed limit

If you have paced your car avoiding the speed limit, you might feel good for arriving 20 minutes earlier than usual. However, looking at it economically it will cost you few bucks more. For example, on a 200-kilometre trip, if you are travelling at 80 kmph, instead of 70 kmph, even though your car is 20 minutes ahead, it also uses 7 Ringgit more than usual.

Check the pressure in your tires

Lower tire pressure is directly proportional to the fuel consumption of your car. Hence it is recommended to check the pressure on your tires before going for that big trip. If you are not sure what’s the ideal pressure needed for your car you can always check for it near the lock inside your driver’s door.

The above suggestions might sometimes be difficult to follow, but if you do, will give you good results. Hence follow these useful tips to save precious fuel and get the best possible fuel consumption efficiency.