Fuel economy is something that is of top priority these days due to the increasing cost of fuel as well as the environment. In the past two decades alone, fuel costs have doubled. How can you coax a few more kilometers out of each tank of gas? Read on to find out.
Use Cruise Control
Cruise control is a feature built into nearly all vehicle sold today, and it is meant to increase your driving comfort by keeping your vehicle at a set speed. This feature can actually save you a considerable amount of fuel as well. Let's say you are trying to drive at 90 km/h. The average driver won't be able to hold their speed exactly at 90 unless they are concentrating very closely on their gas pedal use. Typically a driver might fluctuate between 80-100 km/h, while their goal was to drive 90.
This constant acceleration and deceleration between 80-100 leads to inefficient driving. A car is much better at holding a set speed, then constantly having to accelerate and decelerate to that speed.
Only Accelerate and Brake When You Need To
Often times drivers will accelerate all the way up to the speed limit every time they have a chance, even if they are going to have to stop for a red light in a few hundred meters. When your vehicle is driving at speed, you have a considerable amount of kinetic energy that can be used to coast for a good ways.
Just coasting to a stop once or twice won't make a large difference, but if done everywhere it can lead to drastic fuel savings. Click here for more detailed information
Give Your Car Time to Warm Up
Engines work the hardest when they are cold. Letting your engine idle for a at least a minute or two before you start your commute is a good way to improve your fuel economy drastically during the first few kilometers of the drive. This is especially important in the winter time.
(Note: Never idle your car in an enclosed space such as a garage. Always make sure a car is fully outdoors before you let it idle.)