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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Tips to improve FUEL EFFICIENCY - Part 1




Here are some very good tips on improving your vehicle's Fuel Economy / Increase Fuel Efficiency / Mileage. With increasing fuel prices it is becoming more and more prudent to use them.


Use your gears wisely.

Driving in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine is a fuel-efficient way of driving. A vehicle travelling at 60kmph in third gear uses 25 percent more fuel than at the same speed in fifth gear.


Drive smoothly

Think ahead! By applying light throttle and avoiding heavy braking, you can reduce both fuel consumption and wear and tear. Try to predict traffic at junctions and when in queuing to avoid accelerating and then braking. Research suggests driving techniques can influence car fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.


Switch off your engine

There are two schools of thought on this one. Switching your engine off for short periods of time can actually increase fuel consumption, as it requires more fuel to get the engine started. Also your catalytic converter will no longer be running at full temperature and so your car will be less efficient, increasing the amount of pollution you cause. However if you are stopped for more than a few minutes then your car will simply burn less fuel with the engine stopped.


Drive off promptly to prevent wasting fuel

Don't leave your engine running when you first start up. Drive off straight away if you can, but drive gently until the engine has reached its normal operating temperature. This doesn't increase fuel efficiency as such, but it does mean your engine is switched on for less time.


Lighten your load

Think carefully about what you need on a journey. if you do not need something, do not pack it. Remove roof racks if not needed. Remember that the lighter the load, the lower the fuel consumption, and emissions, and the higher the fuel efficiency. 


To Be Continued.....