Fuel Saving Tactics – Do They Work?

There are many things that people try to do to save fuel. Are they for real or not? Some work, some do not. Is the amount of fuel that you will save worth all that trouble? Let us find out together.

1. Closing Windows at High Speed

At high speed, it’s advisable to keep the windows closed and the air conditioning running. This will help burn less fuel. This will only work at high speed since at low speed much fuel is consumed. At low speed it’s advisable to open the windows and put the air conditioning off. This will help reduce fuel consumption.

2. Coasting Downhill

Coasting to stops and down hills in gear can improve overall gas mileage by avoiding the energy killing nature of brakes and the fuel wasting of a car in neutral. Many people still believe that coasting down a hill while in neutral helps save gas. The fact of the matter is that this illegal act is actually quite false. It has been shown that engines in neutral actually do use gas though at a lower rate when the gear is accelerating.

3. Sensible Driving

Reading the road ahead, anticipating the actions of other drivers and potential hazards. The less braking and acceleration, the less fuel used. For instance, smooth driving in heavy traffic and avoiding driving fast to catch the car in front, then having to brake. This saves much on fuel consumption.

4. Reducing Car Weight

A lighter car uses less fuel and therefore should get rid of unnecessary items in the boot and unless on a long journey, consider running in a half full or less fuel tank.

5. Driving a Manual

Averagely, the automatics use 10%-15% more fuel than the manuals. This is quite insignificant as modern, efficient semi-automatics become more popular.

6. Car Maintenance

Getting the car serviced regularly to maintain engine efficiency and ensuring the correct engine oil helps save on fuels.

7. Monitoring Tire Pressure

It’s advisable to keep tires properly inflated, because low pressure increases rolling resistance. Regular checks will help reduce fuel consumption.

8. Avoiding Ethanol When Possible

Gasoline that has been cut with 10% or 15% ethanol, called E10 OR E15, is an mpg killer. This is because gasoline stores more energy than ethanol. So it takes more ethanol than gasoline to go the same distance.

9. Speed Bumps

Hard braking, accelerating, then braking for the next speed bump is inefficient and uses extra fuel. It’s advisable to try driving along at a steady 15-20 mph instead.

10. Warming up the Engine

Cars get better fuel economy when the engine is warm. So if you have a three-stop run, hit the farthest destination first, then work on the way back. A fully warmed up engine will remain at an efficient temperature even if it’s parked for half an hour.