Driving your vehicle for maximum fuel efficiency

By the way fuel prices are rising, in another ten years banks would also give loans for fuel. Having said that, ZigWheels cannot bring the fuel prices down, however, can tell you how to get the maximum fuel efficiency out of your car.

Driving in rush hours on your way to office or back, probably the only thing to run through your mind would be to turn off your car for a few minutes until the clog starts to move, it is wise thing to do, not only for the environment, but, for your pocket. The maximum fuel consumption during morning starts and cold starts. However, while stuck in a jam, the best thing to do is to turn off your vehicle. It is a difficult task in hot and humid weather, and when the temperature reaches an uncomfortable level, we suggest you turn on your vehicle and your air conditioning till it gets back to normal.

A number of things like these kept in mind, not only save you the time and money, but, also the decrease your frequent trips to the gas station that put a hole in your pocket every time. Here are the other dos and donts that will improve you car’s mileage.

1. Don’t Rush: Going reckless, whether in the city or the highway would not only be hectic, but dangerous for you and others on the road. You also end up with a higher fuel consumption figure. Having a steady speed without hard braking and acceleration would get you the right figure and you don’t have to complain the car for a bad performance otherwise.

2. It’s a clutch, not a foot rest:  Again, whether on the highway or the city, use your clutch to the bare minimum unless you have no option. Also, get your clutch plates and flywheel replaced at regular intervals. A worn out clutch plate also reduces fuel efficiency as the car has to work harder to get a decent speed.

 3.  Look around:  Look around on what is the average speed of the traffic around you. Keep in a speed band where you’re neither too fast nor too slow. Also, while coming to a halt, assess the distance to your halt point, slow down and use your brakes and engine braking, rather than stopping abruptly.

4. Check air pressure:  Make sure to get the air pressure in your tires checked on a weekly basis. Under inflated tires make a huge impact on the fuel efficiency. Also a better way would be to fill nitrogen (Read about the benefits of Nitrogen in tires here) instead of air, since it is denser and makes your ride smoother as well.

5. Change your gears quicker: Gear shift at lower rpms don’t give you the punch you need, but you’re not racing here? Over-revving would not only increase the fuel consumption of your car, it would also adversely affect the engine in a long term. At the same time, avoid knocking in the engine as this damages the engine from the inside.

6.  Remove excess baggage:  Things that are not used in your everyday use can be kept in the storage room till the time you don’t need it again. For example a luggage carrier or a baby seat which you might not need, can be kept aside. Lesser torque is required by the engine to roll or move around and thereby reducing fuel consumption.

7. A stitch in time, saves nine:  Keep your car in a good running condition. A regularly serviced vehicle consumes less fuel.

8. Walk if you can: Taking the car out for a shorter distance is not a very good idea. Walk if your destination is nearby.

With these tips in mind, your car's mileage will surely improve and it will run for a longer period of time.