Saving Fuel: 7 Things to Do to Make Your Vehicle More Fuel-Efficient

In a time when living costs continue to spiral and reducing our carbon footprint is as paramount as ever, boosting the fuel efficiency of our cars has become a hot topic. In simple terms, fuel-efficiency refers to the amount of gas used to travel a particular distance, and the aim is for cars to use as little energy as possible in relation to the mileage covered. While it may seem complicated, we can do several simple things to make our vehicles more fuel-efficient. These can include anything from ensuring your tires have enough pressure to avoiding staying idle for long periods. Throughout this article, we'll give you a rundown of the best ways to improve your car's fuel efficiency, allowing you to help both your pocket and the planet!

Maintain a Steady Speed

Getting to grips with the best speed to travel at to reduce gas consumption can be tricky, but it'll save you a considerable amount of fuel in the long run. At high speeds, which are typically reserved for highways, your car has to fight against the wind, and doing so will require more fuel. The faster your car moves, the greater the amount of gas it'll burn. On the other hand, traveling at slow speeds means you'll need to shift down in gears, which isn't the most energy-efficient option either. In most cases, 50 mph (80 kph) is thought to be the most fuel-efficient speed, though anywhere between 30 and 55 mph (50 and 90 kph) is generally considered to be the optimum pace.

Keep the Weight as Low as Possible

Perhaps one of the most easy-to-implement techniques for preserving fuel is avoiding adding unnecessary weight to your car. Like anything, the more weight the car bears, the more gas it takes to get it moving. For example, if you're traveling with several others in the car, you might notice that you run through fuel quicker than if you were driving alone. Many of us are guilty of storing items we don't need on the back seats or in our trunks, but keeping your car as lightweight as possible will help you get more mileage each time you fill up. Some other things that can contribute to the car's total weight include bike racks and roof boxes. 

Avoid Slamming on the Brakes

Not many people realize how much energy it takes for a car to brake suddenly. While it's impossible to avoid this entirely, doing so only when absolutely necessary can actually conserve some of the gas in your tank. Your car has to work harder to come to a stop at a high speed, but gradually reducing your momentum is less arduous on the engine. The best way of doing this is to take your foot off the accelerator and allow the car to naturally slow down, only using the brakes when the car reaches a slower speed.

Accelerate Progressively

The logic behind this one is similar to that of braking sharply. Just as it requires more energy for your car to come to a halt after moving at high speeds, it takes more out of the engine to accelerate quickly. Whenever possible, steadily increase your pace until you reach your desired speed. This gives your car a chance to move up in gears gradually, whether it's an automatic or manually operated vehicle. This can be as simple as lightly pressing down on the accelerator rather than immediately putting your foot on the floor, which can strain the car.

Ensure Your Tires Have Adequate Pressure

As most of us already know, low tire pressure can potentially be incredibly dangerous for a car. Not only that, but under inflated tires lead to increased friction and rolling resistance. In short, a car running on tires with insufficient pressure will need to use more fuel to keep the wheels spinning. Even driving with one such tire can have an impact on how much gas you'll use. Regularly checking your tires and adding air whenever necessary will help you curb your gas spending while also keeping you and your car safe.

Use Air Conditioning Sensibly

Although it's often a necessity on a hot summer's day, air conditioning can put a strain on your gas tank. It's estimated that using air conditioning in your car can lead to a 20% increase in your fuel consumption. Using the car's fan or rolling down the windows is usually more economical to keep you cool. This is particularly relevant if you're in slow-moving traffic or driving in a built-up area. However, there are other instances where turning on the air conditioning is more fuel-efficient than opening up the windows. If you're traveling at significant speeds or on a highway, the pressure of the wind coming through the windows can cause the car to work harder than it does to power the air conditioning. In essence, the pace you're moving will determine the best time to use the air conditioning!

Switch off the Engine Rather Than Leaving the Car Idle

If you frequently drive in rush-hour traffic, you'll be all too familiar with how often your car can sit idle on the roads. Even when the car isn't in motion, the engine will continue to use fuel as long as it's switched on. Though this doesn't mean that you should be turning your engine off anytime you stop for more than a few seconds, it's worth switching it off if you're stationary for longer than two or three minutes. Allowing your car to remain idle for lengthy periods will not only affect its fuel efficiency but can also contribute to general wear and tear.

Start Improving Your Car's Fuel Efficiency Today!

Contrary to popular opinion, bettering your car's fuel efficiency doesn't mean you need to purchase an entirely new set of wheels. You can make a slew of small changes that will improve your car's fuel output, reducing your emissions and lowering your overall spending on gas.