Dubai: With summer in full swing and holiday plans in motion, many residents are looking for effective ways to reduce their spending without having to radically change their lifestyle. What most people don’t know, however, is that smart driving can help improve fuel economy on your regular commute and help the vehicle perform better.
Here are some tips:
1. Take it easy and drive smoothly: Not accelerating smoothly is one of the most common mistakes drivers make. Aggressive driving like jumping on the gas at every light only to then hit the brakes will not get the driver home any faster. By driving smoothly, you can improve mileage by nearly 20 per cent.
2. Use cruise control: Using cruise control helps maintain a constant speed over time, which is much more efficient than speeding up and slowing down over and over again.
3. Roll up the windows: Leaving windows open on the highway increases air pressure in your car, acting like a parachute trying to slow the vehicle down, which consumes much more energy than the air conditioner.
4. Check tyre pressure: Even with tyres just five pounds under the recommended air pressure, it will make the engine work harder to turn the wheels.
5. Don’t ignore the “check engine” light: This can be something as simple as a loose gas cap. But a more serious engine problem can cut fuel economy by up to 40 per cent.
6. Avoid excess idling: A car gets 0 kpl when the engine is idling. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked to save fuel.
7. Remove the roof carriers and car ornaments: Roof carriers to haul gear and car ornaments like country flags increases aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) and lowers fuel economy.
8. Cut excess weight: Carrying heavy items in your car makes it work harder and consume more gas. Keep in mind that for every 100kg you carry on board, your car uses about half a litre per km more gas (around two per cent extra) – and even more in smaller vehicles.
(The author is regional sales & marketing manager at Chevrolet Middle East)
