When it comes to getting the most out of your vehicle, driving efficiently is key. Not only can it help you save money at the pump, but it also reduces wear and tear on your car and helps minimize your environmental impact. Thankfully, driving more efficiently doesn’t mean you have to give up enjoying your time on the road. Here’s our guide to getting the most kilometres out of every litre.
Plan Your Route
Believe it or not, simply planning your route before you set off can save a significant amount of fuel. Avoid areas of heavy traffic where possible, and try to combine several short trips into one longer one. When your engine is warm, it’s up to 50% more efficient, so making multiple stops in one trip rather than taking several separate trips can increase your fuel efficiency.
Keep to the Speed Limit
While it might be tempting to push the speed limit, higher speeds can seriously affect your car’s fuel efficiency. In fact, each 5 km/h you drive over 80 km/h is like paying an additional $0.24 per litre for petrol, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Keeping to the speed limit is not just safer; it can also save you money.
Accelerate and Brake Smoothly
Rapid acceleration and hard braking can increase your fuel consumption by as much as 40%. Instead, try to accelerate smoothly and gradually. Similarly, plan ahead so you can slow down naturally wherever possible, rather than relying on your brakes.
Use Cruise Control
On long stretches of highway, using cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed, which in turn helps improve fuel efficiency. But remember, this tip doesn’t apply to city driving or roads with lots of twists and turns.
Keep Your Car Well-Maintained
A well-maintained car is a fuel-efficient car. Regular tune-ups, following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, and keeping your tyres properly inflated can all help maximize your kilometres per litre.
Don’t Idle
If you’re likely to be stationary for more than a minute or so – at train tracks or in a long queue of traffic, for example – it’s more fuel-efficient to switch off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to move.
Pack Light
The more weight your car has to carry, the harder the engine has to work and the more fuel it consumes. If you don’t need to lug around that heavy toolbox or roof rack all the time, consider taking them out to lighten the load and improve your fuel efficiency.
Conclusion
Driving efficiently isn’t just about saving money – though that’s certainly a welcome benefit! It’s also about taking care of your car and being mindful of your impact on the environment. With these tips in mind, you can get the most out of every drop of petrol and enjoy your time on the road even more. Safe and efficient travels to you!