Motorists worry about the rapid rise in fuel prices, which means increased monthly expenses. CMH Toyota Umhlanga would like to share with you some tips on how to save fuel in your car.
Avoid Long Idling
The poorest mileage a vehicle can get is zero mpg, which occurs when it idles. Idling for long periods, whether at a railroad crossing or pulling off the road to make a cell phone call, consumes fuel that could be saved by simply turning off the engine. Restarting an engine uses about the same amount of fuel as idling for 30 seconds. When idling for longer periods, shut off the engine.
Use Air Conditioning Sparingly
Use the air conditioner only when needed. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine, forcing more fuel to be used. An air conditioner is one of the biggest drains on engine power and fuel economy. It can reduce fuel consumption by 5 to 20 per cent, depending on the type of vehicle and the way it is driven. Don’t use it to circulate air like a fan. If it’s just too hot to bear without A/C, keep it set around 72 degrees. Use the vent setting as much as possible.
In addition, parking in the shade increases fuel economy since not as much gas will evaporate when the car is out of the sun. Air conditioning won’t need to work hard to cool down the interior.
Keep Tires Inflated to the Correct Pressure
Always ensure tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Check the vehicle’s doorpost sticker for minimum tire inflation pressure.
Avoid Aggressive Driving
Time studies show that fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic, and accelerating to and from a stoplight don’t save much time. They also wear out components such as brakes and tires more quickly. Simply limiting quick acceleration and fast braking can increase fuel economy. When accelerating, pretend you have a fresh egg underneath your right foot. A light, steady pressure helps to minimize the amount of fuel consumed and maintain a more moderate and steady speed.
Avoid Uphill Speed Increases
When climbing a hill, the engine is already working hard to overcome gravity. Pushing it harder by stepping on the gas is simply a waste of fuel.
Make sure you come down and visit us at CMH Toyota Umhlanga, 1 Wilton Crescent, Umhlanga Ridge or contact us on 031 580 4000. We have friendly staff who are waiting to assist you.
