A fuel-efficient car will be great for the environment & your pockets. But, even the most economical cars can be a bit too thirsty if not operating correctly. So, it would help if you also considered your driving style and certain habits to reduce fuel consumption.

Here are the 10 tips to make you a pro at improving fuel economy.

1. Skip the traffic :

   Traffic is a significant factor when it comes to fuel consumption. The regular engagement of clutches, brakes and accelerator, gear changes not only will annoy you, but it also affects the engine. This leads to an increase in fuel consumption over a while.

   So, stay ahead of the traffic, know the shorter route, routes that take less time, the ones that are not jammed with traffic.

   The best thing out there to help you out with this is the most accurate & popular "Google Maps". This is very user-friendly, and you'll love it every time you use it.

2. Let go the unwanted stuff :

   Do not carry unnecessary things in your vehicle. Also, if you have a small car, every addition of weight will have a direct impact on its efficiency. On average, every unwanted 50 KG excess weight can have a potential fuel cost of 3 cents/gallon to you.

   So do consider checking your car every now and then if you're carrying anything unnecessary.

3. Aerodynamics helps a lot!! :

   On a long tour with loads of luggage! Good! The luggage racks will help a lot! But once done with the journey, remove these racks.

   Luggage racks increase the drag on the vehicle, and the engine compensates it by consuming more fuel. Also, to have better aerodynamics, especially at speed above 80kmph close your windows.

4. AC or No AC :

   Well, though this depends on the weather outside! But do you need it daily! Always!? I hope you say, No! , because this affects the engine a lot.

   It would help if you turned it on once in a while though but never put it always ON. It puts extra stress on the motor, leading to more fuel consumption, especially in the Stop & Go traffic of the city.

   So, while driving within the city, "No AC & open the windows". Don't worry about the "drag" element here. Drag is considered when your speeds are above 80kmph usually.

5. Scheduled Maintenance :

   For consistent fuel economy, you must check for maintenance periodically.

   You can go for the maintenance schedule as mentioned in the standard manual provided by the car manufacturer during purchase.

   This schedule is a must to inspect & detect any underlying issues to be fixed in due time. And this ensures to maintain the optimum fuel economy for your vehicle.

6. Do you periodically check the tyre pressure? :

   Now, every vehicle has a specific tyre pressure to be maintained for the front and rear wheels, respectively. This info though provided in the manual and is also present just adjacent the driver's seat.

   Do check the suggested tyre pressure and ensure that the same is maintained. You can do this while refuelling your vehicle or once every 10 days.

   Optimum tyre pressure though helps in improving fuel economy, also ensure proper action and wheel alignment for safe travel.

7. The right Gear! :

   Gear forms a vital part of your vehicle, which is quite a bit important as it helps you moderate your ride accordingly. But most often then not, we tend to be driving the wrong gear.

   This affects the car both in the short term & long term. Let's say, you are throttling high at a lower gear this causes an increase of load on the engine, which can be decreased by shifting the gear up. The load on the engine directly relates to the rise in fuel consumption. So, let's make sure we are on the right gear.

   Also, the long term effect? If done regularly, this load on the engine impacts even the gears. One day the only option you'll be left with is changing up these faulted gears.

8. Idling does harm! :

   All gears down, no contact with any of the pedals, you are there in the car, maybe for the traffic lights to turn green. But the engine is still running, your vehicle is idling.

   Idling is okay for the vehicle for 30 seconds or less, but if you know, it's gonna take long, turn off your keys and let the engine rest.

9. Be gentle with the pedals :

   Don't pedal them too hard, Also, don't always put your left leg on your clutch. This somehow keeps the clutch engaged with the vehicle's transmission resulting in the faster wearing of the clutch plates.

   The acceleration should only be pushed to a certain extent & avoid driving it to the full. The more you accelerate, the more fuel goes into the engine which eventually burns away! So, save fuel, don't accelerate when not required.

10. Engine braking instead of brake pedal :

    This one's simple, but none of us ever do it. Engine braking happens when you are trying to lower the speed of your vehicle by systematically lowering the gears. For instance, you are driving and anticipate traffic or signals, then instead of almost rushing into the traffic & applying breaks just before you stop, you could slowly lower your speed from a reasonable distance while consequently lowering your gears, you could save a lot of fuel.

    Well, engine braking doesn't stop your car altogether, but it brings your vehicle to a point where brakes can be used effectively without wearing them off.

Download simply Auto on android & iOS and improve your pocket's economy!!