How to save fuel in the city

When it comes to fuel economy, many people think that “just ease off the gas” and that’s fine, but that’s not exactly how it works. Even though prices at the pump are high, there are several other ways to save fuel that can save you a few bucks at the end of the month.

“Easing off the gas” is indeed a way to save fuel, but that doesn’t mean you need to drive at speeds much lower than the speed limit on the road. In reality, what counts most is the consistency of acceleration; it’s better to maintain a certain speed instead of slamming your foot on the accelerator pedal.

In addition, driving at high speeds in the city, besides being risky, doesn’t allow you to maintain that speed for a long period of time, as you’ll often be stopped by speed bumps, traffic lights, intersections, among others. Therefore, for both your safety and fuel economy, it is highly recommended that you respect the speed limit on the road.

Braking and starting off

Another valid tip for saving fuel is to anticipate braking.

Imagine the following situation: you are driving at a constant speed and come across a yellow traffic light a few meters away, enough so that you cannot cross it without going through a red light. In this situation, do you accelerate to stop at the traffic light or slow down to do the same?

The answer that will save fuel is to reduce your speed, not accelerating. Since you will have to stop at the traffic light anyway, there is no reason to get there faster. The same goes for “STOP” signs, speed bumps and turns that are already known.

If anticipating braking can save fuel, taking it easy when starting off can do the same. If you are parked for any reason and when you are about to start the car, you press the accelerator pedal hard, this will consume more fuel than necessary. The driver should ask himself, “Am I really in a hurry?”, “Why should I start fast?” These questions will make you think twice before stepping on the accelerator when starting off, providing greater fuel savings.

Although these tips may give the impression that the fuel saved is minimal, when combined they can make a huge difference, and when ignored they can weigh heavily on the driver’s pocket.

How to save fuel on the highway

On the highway, situations that require heavy braking or acceleration almost never occur. Therefore, any car tends to consume less fuel on the highway than in the city. However, there are some other tips that allow you to save even more fuel.

One of the biggest influences on excessive consumption on the highway is excess weight in the car. Whether you’re driving a car, van, truck or other vehicle, the more weight you’re carrying, the more you’ll need your engine to move that amount of weight. So, whatever your vehicle, make sure you’re only carrying what’s necessary and avoid carrying excess weight on vacation trips.

For those who have air conditioning in their vehicle, be careful, because although air conditioning is a good ally on hotter days, it’s also a major enemy of fuel economy. This is because air conditioning uses engine power to do its job, which will certainly increase consumption.

However, if you think that opening all the windows on hotter days will save you fuel, that’s not quite right. When you’re traveling at high speeds, which is usually the case on highways, air resistance will make it harder for your car’s engine to work, which will require more fuel. Fortunately, cars are designed with a specific shape to get around this situation. However, if the windows are open, air resistance increases and consequently consumption also increases.

Furthermore, on the road, it is recommended to use the air conditioning in cases of extreme heat, or if you really don’t want to keep the windows open. In the city, at lower speeds, turning on the air conditioning instead of opening the windows can cost you a few extra bucks.

How to save fuel by changing gears

Contrary to what many people think, there is no gear that will make the car consume less fuel. However, the driver must use the correct gear in each situation that arises. For example, if you are driving at high speed in a higher gear, the engine speed will increase, and thus there will be greater fuel consumption. However, if you demand more engine speed and are in a lower gear (using fifth gear on a steep hill, for example), the pump will inject more fuel to compensate for the missing revs in this situation.

Another factor that negatively influences fuel consumption is putting the gear in neutral while the car is moving. This action can, in fact, cause the engine to inject more gasoline instead of using less, in addition to being an extremely dangerous practice.

Other tips for saving fuel

Whether on the highway or in the city, these tips will help you save fuel in your car, whatever it is!

Always keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflation will consume more fuel.

Have your engine serviced frequently. An unregulated engine can consume more.

Change gears at the right time. This can save fuel.

Have your wheels balanced and aligned frequently.

Change your engine oil at the right time.

Do not accelerate your vehicle with the gears disengaged. This will not bring any benefits and will only consume fuel.

Try to fill up at reliable gas stations. Adulterated gasoline will certainly yield less fuel.

Keep an eye on your spark plugs. It is a good idea to change them from time to time to prevent unnecessary consumption.

If you are going to travel to nearby places, think about whether it is really necessary to drive. Taking a walk or even riding a bike, when possible, will certainly save gas and be better for your health.

If your vehicle uses gasoline and you do not do this, it is a good idea to use additive gasoline from time to time. This gasoline will help clean the engine, providing better operation and consequently lower consumption.

Read more about the effects of Premium Gasoline by clicking here.

So, did you like the tips? Have you already used any of them in your daily life?

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