Cars play a vital role in modern life, offering convenience and mobility. However, with fluctuating petrol (gasoline) and diesel prices and growing concerns about climate change, many drivers seek ways to reduce their fuel consumption.
So, how can you get more kilometres-per-litre or miles-per-gallon from your vehicle?
At Gulf Oil, we bring over a century of expertise in creating trusted oils, lubricants, and fluids for cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other vehicles. Here, we share five practical tips to help improve the fuel economy of your petrol (gasoline), diesel, or self-charging hybrid car:
1. Drive Smoothly
Accelerating is one of the most fuel-intensive actions your car performs. Vehicles require significantly more energy to gain speed than to maintain it.
By moderating how quickly you accelerate, you can increase the distance traveled per litre or gallon of fuel.
Planning your route to avoid frequent stops and starts—caused by congestion, intersections, or traffic lights—can help you maintain a smooth drive at a steady speed.
Anticipating road conditions is also key. Spotting obstacles early allows for gradual slowing and smoother acceleration after passing the obstacle.
Additionally, minimizing idling time can save fuel. Many modern vehicles are equipped with stop-start technology that turns off the engine when stationary and restarts it when needed.
If your car doesn’t have this feature, consider manually switching off the engine if you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two.
2. Limit Your Speed
Higher speeds increase wind resistance (aerodynamic drag), meaning the engine must work harder and consume more fuel to maintain speed.
Speeds between 80-100 kph (50-60 mph) generally strike the best balance between efficiency and progress. On highways or expressways, using cruise control can help maintain a consistent, economical speed.
Driving in a higher gear also improves fuel efficiency. Keeping engine revolutions per minute (rpm) low reduces fuel consumption.
Automatic vehicles often have an economy mode that optimizes gear changes, while manual cars may display indicators for the optimal time to shift gears.
However, avoid straining the engine by driving in too high a gear for the conditions, as this can counteract fuel-saving efforts.
3. Use Air Conditioning Sparingly
Air conditioning operates similarly to a refrigerator, using electricity generated by the engine to cool your vehicle’s cabin. Extensive use of air conditioning increases fuel consumption.
To save fuel, use it sparingly and dress appropriately for the weather instead of solely relying on the A/C. Many cars offer an economy setting or allow you to turn off the air conditioning while recirculating fresh air.
At low speeds, opening windows can provide ventilation without using fuel. However, at higher speeds, open windows can disrupt the car’s aerodynamics and increase fuel consumption.
4. Check Your Tyre Pressures
Your tyres create friction with the road, providing grip but also resistance that requires energy to overcome. Properly inflated tyres strike a balance between grip, comfort, durability, and fuel economy.
Underinflated tyres create more resistance and reduce fuel efficiency, while overinflated tyres can result in a rough ride and increased wear.
Check tyre pressures every few weeks to ensure they align with the manufacturer’s recommendations. When replacing tyres, opt for models with high economy ratings, as they can improve fuel efficiency.
5. Remove Excess Weight and Drag
The more weight your car carries, the harder the engine must work, consuming more fuel. Reducing unnecessary items in the boot, trunk, or passenger seats can enhance fuel economy.
However, retain essential safety equipment like a spare wheel, as its absence could lead to legal or safety issues.
External accessories such as roof racks, roof boxes, or towing mirrors also increase aerodynamic drag.