Fuel rates and prices are unbelievably shooting up around the world. Hence, if you want to save on your finances, you must know how to monitor your mileage and make the most out of each liter (or gallon) out of your tank. What’s more, you can save the environment and Mother Earth by consuming less (or just the right amount) of fuel and having a better-fuel mileage.
Clueless? No worries. This article will show you how:
1. Observe your car’s maintenance schedule
Suggested intervals for the maintenance schedule are every 3, 6 or 9 months. But how do you know simply when it’s the right time? The mile/Km count and the temperature of air, oil and engine condition are some indicative factors. If you’re not sure, you can check your car’s manual. Another helpful sign is when you start your car and see a light flashing for 10 seconds. This means that you’ve exceeded the recommended service interval intended for your vehicle.
Keeping your car’s engine and oil in healthy and proper maintenance will minimize pollution emitted into the air while driving.
2. Less weight, less consumption.
You can save on fuel consumption by getting rid of excess baggage. Each pound or kilo of objects you don’t need makes your engine work harder. Unload unnecessary stuff and leave them at home.
Don’t leave your car running when idle.
Turn your engine off whenever idle or when waiting for longer than a minute. Warm up the engine before driving and allow a cool-off period before a complete shutdown when you get home.
Check your tire pressure.
Maintaining proper inflation of tire pressure ensures safer, more comfortable driving and better fuel consumption efficiency. This also lowers the chances of encountering road accidents due to tire blowouts.
Drive efficiently.
Moderate your desire for speed and keep away from aggressive driving to save gas. This includes speeding, rapid acceleration and braking. Also, observe the speed limit. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Use only the right kind of gas with the suggested octane rating from your car manufacturer.
Typically, gas stations offer three different octane levels of fuel: regular, mid-grade and premium. For most cars in general use the regular grade. The higher levels of octane fuel are for those running at higher speed which have engines designed for extremely high compression ratios (e.g. racing cars). The higher the octane rating, the faster fuel is burned.
Always plan your route before leaving.
To avoid getting lost and moving in circles, check maps first to determine the fastest route to your destination. Not only does planning ahead save fuel but also your time and effort on the way.
Carpool and combine your errands.
We don’t want to play snakes and ladders here. If possible, do all your errands with just one trip. For examples, if you still have time after work, fetch your children from school, buy your groceries, deposit money at the bank, and then send your mail while on the way home, rather than doing these in separate trips the next day.
Compromise performance,;enhance fuel efficiency.
If engines can be tuned to run faster, there is also the other way of tuning it to run more efficiently and enhance fuel consumption.
Don’t DRIVE, just BIKE.
Of course, the most effective way to have a better fuel mileage is not using the car or not driving at all. Cycle, or better yet, walk—jog—run! Consider this alternative as exercise that can improve your health each day.
There are 750 million cars today, if only all of us will extend our efforts, we can make a change in this world. Now is the time for you to make that change for the betterment of nature and the world. If there’s a wheel, there’s a way.
Barbie Lee is an open-minded woman with boundless interests. She is a lover of animals, a fan of great music, and an enthusiast when it comes to fast, furious and feisty automobiles. When she isn’t cheering for her favorite basketball team (Go Mavs!), she’s busy writing for the blog site, Automotive Part Suppliers.
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