In this day and age where fuel becomes ever more scarce by the minute, everyone can agree on the importance of energy conservation. Without a doubt, it has become one of the more concerning issues of this century.
This issue becomes all the more significant, when one starts to talk about cars and fuel consumption.
Energy experts have always noted that the best way to conserve energy or fuel requires the wise and efficient use of existing fuel resources. In driving, this basically means making the most out of every liter of gas.
Now everyone has his/her own little tips on how to make the most of every drop of fuel, but the best way to conserve energy, according to experts, is (as in every problem) PREVENTION.
Here are some tips on avoiding the wasteful use of fuel:
Keep your speed down
Experts say more fuel is required to move the car at higher speeds like 110- 80 kph. This is because wind resistance increases as car speed increases.
Avoid "Jack Rabbit" starts
It takes a lot of extra energy to increase an automobile's acceleration rate. Gradual acceleration in city driving can save as much as one kilometer per liter compared to rapid acceleration.
Keep speed constant
Driving at steady speeds helps save fuel by not injecting extra and wasted fuel into the system.
Anticipate stops
It is best to plan ahead for all possible traffic conditions. This allows for better fuel economy. In addition, gradual braking prolongs the life of brake linings, not to mention lives.
Plan ALL trips
It is wise to plan all trips to cover as many errands as possible at one time. In city driving, longer trips allow engines to warm up which results in better fuel economy.
Avoid engine idling
An idle engine wastes energy; it does no useful work if its kept running. Excessive idling may also shorten engine life if the practice is repeated over a long-term period. As a guide, drivers should not idle engines for more than three minutes, if possible.
Warm engine by driving
Better economy can be obtained by driving the car to warm the engine, rather than allowing it to idle. This speeds up the warming process, and thus saves fuel.
Minimize the use of air conditioners
The use of the air conditioner cuts fuel mileage by 10 percent.
Maintain correct tire pressure
Under-inflated tires reduce fuel mileage slightly.
Keep the engine tuned-up
Spark plug misfiring may result in significant increase in fuel consumption. Laboratory tests have shown speeds of 50 to 80 kilometers per hour misfire sparkplugs 10 percent of the time. This resulted in an eight percent increase in fuel consumption.
Service air filter
A dirty filter can cause decrease in fuel economy, and a decrease in power output.
Avoid fuel spillage
Follow usual good practices at the dispensing area to prevent spilling and wasting fuel. For example, avoid over filling the fuel tank.
Don't ride the brakes
Even slight foot pressure on the brake pedal can apply the brakes, especially power brakes. This wastes fuel, which might be used to move the car.
Keep transmissions in high gear
Keep both automatic and manual transmissions in the highest gear possible. With a manual transmission, shift into high gear as soon as you can; with an automatic transmission, use a light foot on the accelerator to encourage the transmission to shift into high gear quickly. These actions will save fuel.
Minimize vehicle loads
Transporting unnecessary weight in your car will cause you to use more fuel.
Always keep these tips in mind, and you can see for yourself just how much fuel you can save yourself.
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