✅ 1. Keep Tyres Properly Inflated
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Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder.
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Check tyre pressure monthly and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level (usually found in the owner’s manual or driver’s door frame).
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Bonus: Proper inflation also improves safety and tyre lifespan.
🔧 2. Stick to Regular Vehicle Maintenance
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Change engine oil, air filters, and spark plugs at recommended intervals.
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A clean, well-lubricated engine runs more efficiently and uses less fuel.
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Don’t ignore your Check Engine Light — it could be affecting fuel efficiency.
🕹️ 3. Drive Smoothly and Avoid Aggressive Driving
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Rapid acceleration, harsh braking, and speeding can lower your fuel economy by up to 30%.
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Use gentle throttle and smooth steering inputs whenever possible.
🚗 4. Reduce Idling Time
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Idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
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Turn off your engine if you’re stopped for more than 60 seconds (except in traffic). Modern engines are designed for frequent starts.
⚖️ 5. Lighten the Load
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Extra weight makes your engine work harder.
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Remove unnecessary items from your boot or back seats.
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Only use roof racks or cargo boxes when needed—they create aerodynamic drag that reduces fuel efficiency.
🧊 6. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
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A/C puts extra load on your engine.
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Use it sparingly, and switch to ventilation or open windows at low speeds when appropriate.
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At high speeds, windows up with A/C is more efficient than driving with windows down due to drag.
🧭 7. Plan Your Routes
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Combine errands into one trip.
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Avoid peak traffic hours when possible.
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Use real-time navigation apps to avoid congestion and long routes.
🛞 8. Keep Your Wheels Aligned and Balanced
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Misaligned or unbalanced wheels increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency.
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Have them checked during regular servicing or if you notice uneven tyre wear or pulling to one side.
⚙️ 9. Use Cruise Control (on Motorways)
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Helps maintain a constant speed, reducing unnecessary fuel-burning acceleration.
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Avoid using it on hilly terrain where frequent adjustments may use more fuel.
⛽ 10. Choose the Right Fuel
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Use the correct octane rating as specified by your manufacturer.
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Higher-octane fuel doesn’t improve performance or economy unless your engine requires it.
💡 Final Tip: Keep Track of Fuel Usage
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Use apps or your car’s onboard computer to monitor your average MPG (miles per gallon).
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Sudden drops may indicate a mechanical issue or a change in driving habits.
Avoid Traffic
Avoiding traffic is easier said than done, especially if you drive during rush hour. Talk with your boss about adjusting your work hours so you are working on a flexible schedule that puts you on the freeway before or after rush hour. Also, purchase a fast pass if you navigate over toll roads so you don’t have to slow down and stop to pay the toll.
Avoid Idling
Did you know that one minute of idling uses up more gas than restarting your automobile? As such, it’s important that you turn the engine off while you are waiting. It takes less gas to restart the engine than it does to sit at an idle, so save gasoline or diesel fuel by shutting off your motor.
Time Traffic Lights
Adjust your speed so you can time the traffic lights properly. What we mean by timing the traffic lights is driving at a pace that allows you to hit each light when it turns green. This prevents you from having to stop at the red light and sit at an idle. Traffic signals are programmed so they can be timed. You just need to figure out at what speed you need to drive.
Avoid Multiple Stops
One of the worst things for your vehicle’s fuel economy is a day filled with errands that require short stops all over town. This uses up excess gasoline. Plan your errands so that you are making fewer stops. If you can, park your car conveniently and walk to your multiple errands so that you aren’t running your automobile.
Cruise Control It
Finally, driving at a steady speed improves your vehicle’s fuel economy. Driving slower also improves your vehicle’s fuel economy. As such, set your cruise control at a reasonable speed to get more miles out of a full tank. Also, keep in mind the slower you drive the less gas you use.
An additional tip is that you should keep your car maintained in order for the engine to run as efficiently as possible. AutoFix4u Lowestoft, can help with that. Set up a service appointment today.
