How to increase fuel economy

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We’ve covered improving fuel economy, saving fuel and saving money, plenty of times. What we’re focussing on here is improved efficiency. More specifically, decreasing fuel consumption and increasing gas mileage.

If you want to increase your fuel economy you need to have your car in tip top shape. We can help you maintain your car to ensure that you save gas. Proper maintenance will mean your engine doesn’t have to work harder to go the same distance.

How to drive in a way that saves money

There are some simple tips that will save you money and also make your passengers more comfortable.

  1. Drive smooth, drive long. It applies to golf as well. If you drive smoothly, it will improve your fuel economy. Start accelerating smoothly, turning gently and braking over a longer distance. The smoother the journey for your car the less load and strain. This puts less load and strain on your wallet too.
  2. Take your foot off of the accelerator when coasting. Downhill especially, it means your engine can turn off the fuel injectors. This will decrease fuel consumption and increase your range.
  3. Stick to the speed limit. Believe it or not, car makers design transmission gearing around average speed. Your car is designed to go 50kph, 70kph, 80kph and 100kph. If you stick to these numbers, your fuel economy will improve. This is because the engine is operating at the rpm’s it’s designed for.

How to set up a car to save fuel

If you have your car set up the way it should, you’ll increase your performance and your fuel economy.

  1. Pump up your tyres. If your tyres are properly inflated, it will reduce rolling resistance. It will also help your level of grip.
  2. Turn off the air conditioning. It runs off of your engine. If you don’t need it, then you don’t want it. It’ll save you a little gas, especially sitting in rush hour.
  3. Use your cruise control. It means your car only has to maintain that speed. It will get into the highest gear possible to reduce fuel consumption.
  4. Service your car regularly. If your engine filters are clean, your oil changed, and fuel filters switched, your car will run like a dream. That means it’ll be as efficient as possible.
  5. Keep it empty. The less weight in the car, the better. If you drop the extra 20kg of golf clubs, clothes, cricket gear and other trash, you’ll get a lot further.

Take care of your car and it’ll take car of you. If you have any questions or suspect anything is amiss, ask one of our partner garages for a diagnostic. That can make sure your car is running like it should and reduce the pain at the pump.