Get the most mileage out of each gallon of gas by following these simple fuel saving tips.
1. Proper Tire Pressure
When comparing tires that bear the same load, insufficient tire pressure causes high deflection and increases fuel consumption.
Connection between Tire Pressure and Fuel Consumption:
Low Tire Pressure |
Increase Fuel Consumption |
Reduce Tire Life |
10% |
2% |
15% |
20% |
4.5% |
28% |
30% |
6.25% |
37% |
2. Optimize Octane
Most drivers mistake premium fuel as the best choice for the vehicle. Check the owner’s manual for the correct octane level for your engine. Around 20% of drivers purchase premium fuel, but only less than 5% of cars on the road have engines designed for high octane fuel. If your engine was not, then pumping premium will only cost you more. (source: American Automobile Association www.aaa.com)
3. Save More by Slowing Down
Gas mileage can be improved by 15% just by decreasing your highway speed from 100 kph to 88 kph. Try to maintain a constant speed and gradually increase or decrease speed when needed to achieve better gas mileage. Slow down on highways and use cruise control whenever possible. Avoid drastic accelerations or sudden braking which uses up more fuel. (source: Consumer Federation of America)
4. Empty Your Trunk of Junk
A vehicle consumes about 700 liters of gasoline each year. Each additional 45 kg of goods increases fuel consumption by 1 liter. Avoid carrying unnecessary items as extra loads put more strain on the vehicle and leads to higher fuel consumption.
5. Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil to improve gas mileage by 1-2%. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower the gas mileage by 1-2% while using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower gas mileage by 1-1.5%. Also, look for “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to make sure it contains friction-reducing additives. (source: www.fueleconomy.org)
Check your fuel cap to make sure it is secure and not damaged. 556 million liters of gas vaporize annually due to missing or problematic caps. (source: Car Care Council www.carcare.org)
6. Drive Sensibly
Smooth and Steady Start Fuel consumption is usually the highest during the initial vehicle startup. Many drivers love to hit the throttle and accelerate to be a step ahead. However, this actually consumes 2-3 times more fuel. From startup to 60 kph, heavy throttle only puts you ahead by 10-20 seconds. 2-3 times the fuel consumption or 10 seconds lead? Make the right choice!
Avoid Braking Abruptly Fuel consumption is usually the highest during the initial vehicle startup. Many drivers love to hit the throttle and accelerate to be a step ahead. However, this actually consumes 2-3 times more fuel. From startup to 60 kph, heavy throttle only puts you ahead by 10-20 seconds. 2-3 times the fuel consumption or 10 seconds lead? Make the right choice!
7. Plan Before You Drive
Before heading out, you should do your homework to find the best route.
Best Route ≠ Shortest Route
Distance is just a factor in deciding the best route. Congestion (too much traffic lights or intersections) should also be considered otherwise the shortest route may turn into the longest route and use up more fuel
8. Keep Your Vehicle in Shape
Regular maintenance and tune-ups are one of the best ways to improve fuel economy and vehicle performance. Recommended maintenance schedule can be found in the owner’s manual. Dragging brakes, dirty oil filters, worn spark plugs, low transmission fluid, or transmission going into high gear can all reduce fuel efficiency.
9. Proper Wheel Alignment
For every degree the positive camber is off by, the tire will be dragged sideways 5 m for each km traveled. The driver’s natural reaction is to straighten the driving direction which subjects the tires to additional force and deformation that ultimately increases fuel consumption.
Positive camber is extremely important for wheel alignment!
10. Low Rolling Resistance Tires
Tire rubber not only has flexibility but also viscidity. When tires are rolling, they will be compressed and stretched which consumes energy. Tire rolling resistance occurs when the energy loss is converted into heat and increases the tire temperature.
Choose low rolling resistance tires for better fuel efficiency!