How To Reduce Your Fuel Consumption While Driving

One of the main costs you pay when using your car to get around is fuel. If you’re really worried about spending too much money on it, you don’t necessarily need to go out and get a car with better fuel efficiency or maybe even an EV or a hybrid. Making simple adjustments to your driving habits can be a real game changer when it comes to cutting down fuel costs. Here are some tips you can start with in order to reduce your fuel consumption:

Drive only when needed

Of course, the most immediate way to cut down on your fuel costs is to cut down on your driving frequency. Now we’re not saying that you should stop using your car altogether. But ask yourself: Do you really need to use your car to get to the grocery store a few blocks away? Will you be buying a lot of items that walking or even taking a bicycle can be inconvenient?

Driving your car less not only helps you save on your fuel, it also helps you exercise, too, leading to a healthier body overall. 

Try to stay within the speed limits

Optimal driving speeds for each vehicle may differ from model to model but as a rule of thumb, the faster you drive, the worse your gas mileage and consumption may get. When you’re simply driving down around town, you don’t necessarily need highway speeds to get to your destination. 

Make use of the tools in your car to help you save. Cruise control can help you stay at a constant velocity, reducing the amount of work your engine does, which leads to less gas while driving. It can also help you set your car’s speed near the speed limit, easily allowing you to retain the perfect speed for maximum efficiency.

Also, you can try coasting when possible. This reduces the amount of times you need to accelerate, helping you avoid burning any excess fuel. Might take a little practice to get the hang of it but it shouldn’t be too hard that it requires a high skill ceiling.

Make sure your tires are in proper condition

Your car’s manual should indicate the proper air pressure levels for your tires, so make sure they’re always inflated to this standard. Improper tire inflation can reduce fuel economy by increasing vehicle drag. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US has found that a 1% decrease in tire pressure correlated to a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy. 

Likewise, overinflated tires make you experience a bumpier ride by compromising handling, leading to uneven tread wear. Always stick to the recommended pressure level at all times for maximum efficiency.

Replace your dirty air filters

Air filters are often overlooked when it comes to regular check-ups, but a dirty air filter can really hamper a car’s fuel efficiency. Clogged air filters limit air intake, making your car’s engine work harder, therefore using up more fuel. 

Dirty and damaged air filters also pollute the spark plugs, causing the engine to miss or rough idle. It causes your exhaust to emit more emissions, making it bad for the environment in general. It helps prolong your car’s engine life too, as a clean filter helps prevent dirt and debris from coming inside your engine.

Reduce your car’s weight while travelling

Sure, sometimes you can’t avoid packing on extra weight when going out on a trip. However, on most occasions, it’s advised to not bring excessive weight at most times. For most cars, every 100 pounds of weight decreases fuel efficiency by around 1-2%. You can save money on your fuel by reducing the load, making the car lighter and more aerodynamic and thus, making the engine work less.

Know the Key Maintenance Issues and How to Prevent Them

Several problems with your car can easily cause it to be less efficient while driving, leading you to consume more fuel out on the road. Whether it’s the weight you constantly carry on your trip, dirty and damaged components, or even simple driving habits, there’s plenty of things you can still fix up.

And when it comes to performing repairs on your vehicle damages, your car insurance may not necessarily cover them. As long as the damage is not based on standard wear and tear, or collisions from accidents, mechanical breakdown insurance may be able to cover it. Get the best deals when you compare your options for the most competitive interest rates here at glimp!