Learn practical tips to enhance your car's fuel efficiency with these 10 simple steps. Save on costs and contribute to a greener, more efficient drive.

Tips to Increase your Vehicle’s Fuel Economy

Fuel price in UAE has grown considerably in the past few years. To make the most of every drop of fuel and save money, it is wise to optimize your car's fuel efficiency.

Aggressive driving with heavy acceleration and sudden starts and stops is not only hazardous to safety but it also does harm to your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Boost your car’s fuel efficiency by driving safely and you will save on fuel expenses and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Quick Read Section

• Bad driving habits such as speeding, extended idling, and rapid acceleration and deceleration can increase your fuel consumption.
• Smart and careful driving ensures that you get the best fuel efficiency.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assigns fuel efficiency ratings to automobiles, based on highway mileage, city mileage and total mileage of the vehicle.
• Maintaining proper tyre pressure and removing excess weight from your vehicle are critical to reducing fuel consumption.

If you are looking for simple methods to increase a car's fuel efficiency, we have all the answers!

How to calculate the fuel efficiency rating of your car

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates cars for their fuel efficiency. This fuel efficiency rating, expressed in miles per litre, is the best way to compare vehicles and determine which is the most fuel-efficient car. Cars are evaluated in three areas: highway mileage, city mileage, and total combined mileage.

Here are some tips on how to increase fuel efficiency of your car and increase mileage:

1.     Maintain the right pressure on your car tyres

The pressure in your tyres affects the overall weight of your vehicle. Having tyres that are under-inflated will cause an increase in the surface area of contact between the tyres and the road, reducing your overall mpg (miles per gallon) by 2.5%. On the other hand, having tyres that are over-inflated can lower traction and performance, making it difficult to handle the vehicle and the ride bouncy. Make sure the air pressure in your tyres is right to make your driving experience as smooth as possible. It's a good idea to check the pressure in your tyres at least once a week to avoid over-inflation, punctures, and flat tyres.

2.     Get rid of excess weight by clearing your vehicle space.

Reducing the number of extra items in your car can help reduce the weight of your vehicle. The more weight your car has, the more fuel it needs to move. This is because heavier vehicles have more rolling resistance and require more energy to propel them, which leads to increased fuel consumption. To reduce gas consumption and increase the car's fuel economy, it is essential to get rid of any unnecessary weight. Unused roof boxes, bike racks, and spare tyres that are too large should not be kept in the car. Removing unnecessary items from your car's trunk and interior will help you get accelerate faster and have better fuel economy, saving you money in the long term.

3.     Take care while accelerating and decelerating

Rapidly speeding up and slowing down your vehicle results in higher fuel usage. This can occur when you tailgate another car or while waiting for the traffic lights. To save on fuel, do not press harshly on the accelerator or quickly accelerate when the lights turn green.

Gradually increase your speed to get to the desired velocity in a reasonable amount of time. Aim to stay within a speed range of 60-80 kmph, unless your car is low to the ground, or the roads are very bumpy.

4.     Idling around and waiting on road can use up too much fuel

It takes about ½ litres of fuel per hour for a car to idle. This amount is greater than the amount used when restarting the car, depending on the engine type and size. Therefore, if you are waiting for someone, switch off your car engine to save on fuel. If your car features a stop-start system, you won't need to manually turn off the engine. This system works by automatically switching off the engine when it is idle, and then turning it back on when the brake is released, helping to conserve fuel in the process.

5.     Use of ECON mode

Air conditioning and heating can add up to 20% to your fuel consumption due to the extra strain placed on the engine. These systems are quite draining on the car battery and fuel tank. They require the alternator to charge the engine battery, and this uses fuel as well. However, using air conditioning at a higher speed reduces this effect and ensures greater fuel efficiency. Use of the Economy mode (ECON) function in modern vehicles reduces air-conditioning consumption. Having better brake dynamics and steering control will also help you get better mileage and fuel efficiency during long drives.

6.     Over speeding can have adverse effects on your car’s fuel efficiency

Once you go beyond 40-50 mph, your car starts to burn fuel inefficiently. The more you speed, the more fuel you will consume. To make sure you don't waste fuel, it is best to follow the speed limit and use cruise control when possible. To help conserve fuel, it is best to avoid sudden acceleration and deceleration, especially when one is driving at higher speeds. This will help to make fuel usage more efficient.

Staying within the speed limit can help save lives and conserve vehicle fuel. Breaking the speed limit in the UAE comes with harsh consequences like fines and punishments. Think twice before you accelerate because you are essentially wasting money for a few extra minutes of time.

7.     One long trip saves you more fuel than several short trips

Combining multiple errands into one trip will increase fuel efficiency, as opposed to taking several small trips. This is because your car will use extra fuel each time the engine is started. Therefore, it is best to plan your trip ahead and combine as many tasks as possible in one outing.

8.     Plan a clear route before you start your journey

Constant starting and stopping in traffic can take its toll on your engine and consume fuel. To avoid this, carefully plan your route to work. Additionally, make sure you know where you are going so you don't waste fuel and time aimlessly driving around. Google Maps and other navigation systems can be used to find the quickest route to your destination, helping you save time and fuel.

9.     Try to steer clear of rough roads

Traversing bumpy roads with potholes, gravel, and excessive dirt can consume up to 30% of your car's fuel. Every time the wheels jar up and down, it drains the vehicle of its forward motion energy, which decreases its fuel economy. To conserve fuel and lower emissions, pick roads with a smooth surface when you are driving.

10.     Take proper care of your vehicle regularly

It is possible to improve fuel economy and maintain a good vehicle if you follow the maintenance schedule recommended by your previous owner or dealer. Replace engine oil, air filters, tyre rotations, spark plugs, and more with regular tune-ups at your dealership.

The Best Fuel-efficient cars in UAE

The most fuel-efficient automobiles in the UAE are:

• Toyota C-HR Hybrid
• Kia Niro
• Toyota Yaris
• Honda City
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
• Honda HR-V
• Peugeot 208
• Kia Sportage
• Suzuki Swift
• Mitsubishi Mirage
• Nissan Sunny

Driving habits have a direct impact on the fuel economy of your vehicle. Simple modifications can have a major impact and help you save a great deal of money annually. Incorporate these tips into your driving habits for your car to be in optimal condition, leading to increased fuel efficiency.

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