The following tips will make it more economical to drive, reducing fuel costs and saving money.
Practice Economical Driving
Driving at a constant speed throughout the journey will significantly reduce fuel consumption. By keeping the car as constant as possible (while abiding limits) it encourages the car to use fuel more sparingly. Avoiding rapid acceleration means the engine runs more smoothly, stopping the dips and surges of speed which make the car consume petrol more rapidly.
Use the right gear for the speed of the car. Revving a vehicle in a lower gear encourages increased fuel consumption. By selecting a higher gear to match the speed of the car, it is possible to enable the car to use fuel more sparingly.
Don’t rely on clutch control to balance the car in preparation for hill stops and starts. Put the car into neutral where possible and use the hand brake to keep the car stable, rather than slipping into bad habits such as balancing the clutch at biting point.
Keep windows closed. It may sound like a small point, but cars are designed to be aerodynamic machines, which operate well in the shape they have been allocated. Driving with windows open reduces the aerodynamic design of the car, which in turn increases fuel consumption.
Practical Tips for Saving Fuel
Try to reduce the use of power within the car as much as possible; this includes heated seats, which take a lot to power, and air conditioning. It is surprising how much fuel can be conserved by reducing the heat within the vehicle by a couple of notches, and conserving warmth by keeping windows up.
Obviously, smaller more economical cars cost much less to run than larger styles. Where possible, avoid 4X4s and other people carriers and opt instead for the more compact and petite styles of vehicle.
Diesel is more economical than petrol, so it makes sense to choose a diesel-powered vehicle where possible.
Act for the Environment and Save Fuel Costs
Use public transport where possible, or opt in to a car-sharing scheme if there is one available,. Many corporate organisations now provide bonuses and incentives for members of staff who cycle or use car share in the company, so it is worth investigating these possibilities.
Investigate Alternatives to Petrol and Diesel
There are now myriad different options for car drivers looking to convert their car to make it more green and economical. Grain alcohol (ethanol) is a renewable fuel with minimal pollution, as the by-products of combustion are only water and CO2. Furthermore, it is economical to make, and cars operate well when running on ethanol.
 |
