As a motorist, have you wished that you can still extend your car's fuel mileage even further?
Sure, you have applied economical driving techniques, drove as smooth and as consistent as possible, and kept your speed at par or below speed limits. But it doesn't stop there. You also have to start learning fuel saving habits and practice them. In this time of utmost fuel economy awareness, you can definitely contribute your own little part to conserve fuel even more.Here are some helpful tips to further increase your fuel mileage:
Play your trips. Accomplish everything in one swoop. To keep you on track, maintain a list of tasks that you need to do each time you go out. For example, when planning a trip to the mall, be sure to bring with you a checklist of all the things you need to buy, and a task list of everything that you need to do, like paying your utilities or credit card bills. By being organized, you will save not only on fuel but also on time and effort.
Lighten your load. Are you one of those motorists that bring all their things everyday, whether you need it for that day or otherwise? Before you leave the house, check the contents of your trunk and leave the things that you won't need for the day, like golf clubs, gym stuff, etc. Doing so will make your car run lighter, thereby consuming lesser fuel.
Plan your route carefully. Plan your route around roads with lesser obstructions, intersections, and traffic lights. This may be a longer one than your original route, but the former may be a more fuel efficient route provided it has fewer stops and obstructions than the latter. Also, as far as traffic volume is concerned, pick the route that has a more predictable increase and decrease of volume, depending on the time of day.
Avoid braking whenever possible. Braking wastes fuel, as propelling the vehicle again from a deceleration or a stop will need fuel. You can lessen the need to brake by maintaining a safe and steady speed. Be mindful of your distance from the car in front. If the need to step on the brakes is inevitable, depress the brake pedal as gradual and as smooth as possible. If a complete stop is not needed, let go of the brakes and apply gentle dabs on the accelerator pedal to bring the car up to speed again. If the engine speed is not too low and the vehicle speed is matched to the current gear, then there is no need to downshift, for it can still take up the drive.
Check your engine. The time to check your car's engine doesn't only pertain to the time when your car's check engine light is on; periodically check your oil, fuel filter, air filter, and other wear and tear parts that your engine may need. If left unchecked, a dirty fuel filter may hamper the smooth flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the combustion chamber, resulting in significant power loss. The same is also true for a dirty air filter, as air flow will be restricted if the air filter is dirty. To adjust for different fuel grades and quality, give your car a tune up as often as possible.
Avoid unnecessary idling. In this time of frugality, an engine left idling for extended periods of time is a mortal sin. As the car is not going anywhere, mileage for this will be 0 km/l. If the car will be idle for more than three minutes it is a good practice to park, turn off the engine, get out of the car, and wait outside. Not only will you save up on fuel by doing this; waiting outside your car is also a security precaution, as most car theft victims nowadays are those waiting inside their vehicles.
Avoid unnecessary wind drag. When traveling at highway speeds of 60 kph upwards, to avoid unnecessary wind drag, keep your windows closed. Drag is another resistance that your car needs to overcome. Between the use of your car's air-conditioning and keeping your windows closed, the former will be more fuel efficient at highway speeds.
Use the correct motor oil. Again, your car's manual is your friend. Follow the correct oil viscosity for your car as stated in its manual, as well as the oil change schedule. Using the wrong oil will not only make your car's engine inefficient, but may induce premature wear and tear, resulting in unplanned vehicle repair costs.
Switch to a new, fuel efficient vehicle. Let's face it, even with proper maintenance, cars, as machines, will be less efficient and consume more fuel over time. If you have the means to do so, you can plan to purchase a newer and fuel efficient vehicle to replace your existing one. You can have it financed through the auto lending industry leader -- BPI Family Savings Bank's Drive your Dream Auto Loan. It offers low interest rates and flexible payment terms. Buyers can own a brand new car worth Php 600,000 for only Php 9,220/month, at 20% down payment and light payment-term of six years. Just visit any of the 800 BPI, BPI Family Savings Bank branches or Express Banking Centers or call Auto Loans Direct Marketing at 845-6777 or 89-100. They can also text AUTO
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