9 fuel-efficient driving tips that not everyone knows
How to drive fuel-efficiently is something that many drivers are interested in, especially in the context of increasing gasoline prices every day. Below are some tips that are worth your attention.
Besides the vehicle's structure and engine specifications, the driver's style and skills are also important factors that determine the vehicle's fuel economy.
Studies show that by adopting environmentally friendly driving techniques, drivers can reduce their fuel consumption and emissions by up to 25% compared to normal driving. Even small changes in the way you drive can have a big impact on fuel economy.
Below are 9 tips to help your car save fuel that everyone seems to know but most drivers rarely pay attention to applying.
1. Drive at normal speed
Driving habits such as hard acceleration and braking can increase fuel consumption. Be aware that on the highway, fuel consumption varies greatly when driving below 100 km/h. Hard acceleration and braking can increase fuel consumption by up to 40%.
Therefore, instead of constantly braking and accelerating, drivers should clearly understand the traffic situation ahead and maintain a normal, stable speed. This habit not only helps you save fuel but also helps you increase the life of your brakes and tires.
2. Check tire pressure
Correctly inflated tires help you drive more safely and steer more accurately. Tire pressure is listed in the owner's manual or on the tire surface.
Be careful not to inflate your tires above the recommended pressure, as over-inflation will reduce traction and tire life. Check your car's tire pressure at least once a month.
The lower the pressure, the more tire surface is in contact with the road, the greater the resistance, causing your car to need more fuel to move on the road.
3. Don't carry too much weight
Cars are like your body, they need more fuel to carry more weight. Experts estimate that every 50kg of luggage will consume 2% more fuel than usual. Therefore, drivers should avoid carrying heavy items if not necessary.
4. Keep the engine air filter clean
A dirty, clogged engine air filter will consume an additional 10% of fuel. Drivers should regularly check and clean this part every 10,000km. If the filter is clogged regularly, it is time to replace the engine air filter to ensure the air filtration process, helping the engine operate efficiently and save fuel.
5. Turn off the engine when not in use
When the car is stopped for a long time, it is best to turn off the engine to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. In addition, it also avoids overheating the engine for too long, affecting the environment.
6. Use cruise control
Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise are designed to maintain a steady, safe speed and maximize fuel economy, so if your car has this feature, don't forget to use it when you're driving on the highway.
7. Schedule your trip
Before going anywhere, you need to calculate the distance and travel time to avoid getting lost and wasting fuel. If you need to go to many places to pick up many people, it is ideal to arrange the route and combine all the small trips into one big trip to save fuel.
8. Turn off the air conditioner if possible
Did you know that turning on the air conditioner at a low temperature will consume about 15% of electricity? If the weather is cool, pleasant and dust-free, car owners should turn off the air conditioner, and can roll down the windows to let cool air from outside into the car. This will help save fuel because car air conditioners usually consume about 10% of fuel.
However, at speeds of 80 km/h and above, using the air conditioner is better for the car than opening the windows. The first reason is to increase the aerodynamics of the car, the second is that at high rpm, the engine generates enough energy for the air conditioning system to operate effectively.
9. Fuel and engine oil pump
Sometimes, a little trick can help drivers pump more fuel than usual. The right time to pump gas is early morning or late afternoon because the fuel will be thicker. Besides, do not pump too full to avoid fuel leakage.
In addition, you also need to make sure to use the right type of engine oil, using the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer (clearly stated in the owner's manual) will help your engine operate efficiently. Using the wrong type of oil can reduce fuel economy by up to 2%.
