As a vehicle owner, the chances are that you’re already more than aware of the fact that fuel prices are currently hitting record highs. As though inevitable price increases elsewhere weren’t enough, fuel costs currently surging to over $4 per gallon are certainly seeing many of us steering well clear of driving where we can. Unfortunately, whether you enjoy traveling or live a long way from your workplace, it isn’t always possible to cut out car journeys altogether. Yet, with every single piece of fuel you use likely stressing you out that bit more, something still has to give. And, fuel efficiency could be the answer.
After all, two owners with the same car likely achieve a very different fuel efficiency status, highlighting the fact that, as well as things like car type and engine, our actions and driving priorities really can help to cut fuel costs overall. The question is, how exactly can you fast-track your fuel efficiency in an age where there’s never been more incentive to do so?
Always keep on top of maintenance
It may seem like such an obvious point that you’re ready to click off this article already, but before you do, just consider for a second how much of a difference regular vehicle maintenance can have from a fuel standpoint. Whether you seek a professional service or take care of this yourself, priorities like checking your tire pressure can make a surprising difference. In fact, with poorly-inflated tires predicted to affect your mpg by as much as 2.5%, you’ll inevitably chuck a great deal of money away if you don’t tackle this simple task. Equally, car owners need to know the importance of a more general maintenance focus, especially when it prioritizes things like engine performance and driving experience. After all, when your entire car runs like a smoothly oiled machine, your oil is guaranteed to go a whole lot further.
Let your vehicle do the work
Perhaps less obviously, it’s also becoming increasingly apparent that making the most of what modern vehicles already offer can also lead to notable fuel efficiency improvements. Most obviously, that’s because modern engines are designed to put your fuel to the best use through the help of everything from a three-part air intake system that ensures the even burning of fuel to the use of lighter parts that generally help your vehicle to get along with less output. Even outside of the technical engine stuff, simple modern additions including stop-start and cruise control can significantly cut fuel usage. Equally, the sat navs now built into most modern infotainment systems mean that you can also not only reach your destination without getting lost, but take the most time and fuel-efficient routes that even consider speed limits along the way In other words, your car is already prepped to save you on fuel. You just need to make sure that you’re using those benefits.
Keep it light
Unfortunately, even the best-equipped modern car is going to struggle on the efficiency front if you’re lugging around a load of stuff that you don’t need. After all, it may be an easy point to overlook, but the heavier your car is, the more fuel it’s going to require to get from A to B by proxy. Yet, so many of us make the mistake of leaving pointless things in the boot or even keeping a car seat or similar in the back because it seems easier. All of this can impact your acceleration speed and worsen your car’s drag, which in turn will inevitably eat up more of the fuel you’re trying so hard not to use until you finally get around to that big car declutter.
Perfect efficient driving
Even if you praise yourself as being a good driver (which we’re sure you are!), it’s also worth considering the driving-specific improvements you can make with efficiency in mind. This is especially the case when it comes to things like your acceleration and deceleration, which should be as smooth and careful as possible to prevent major fuel output. In particular, experts recommend what could be referred to as a ‘defensive driving style’, which sees you gently easing up on acceleration well in advance of needing to stop. That is, of course, if your car’s stop-start engine capabilities aren’t already doing that for you.
When you’re paying a fortune for fuel, you want to make sure that you’re getting the most for your money, and each of these pointers can help you to do precisely that!
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