How to drive economically
2008-11-17 星期一From courtesy of John Taylor and Helen Taylor of www.fuelacademy.com
1 Drive Smoothly
Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel than safe driving. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard and try to keep your steering as smooth as possible.
2 Use Higher Gears
The higher the gear you drive in the lower your engine speed is, which can improve fuel efficiency. So change up a gear whenever you can, without labouring the engine.
3 Tune and Service Your Engine
A well tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to 4%, so change your oil and follow your car manufacturer’s recommendation on servicing.
4 Keep Your Tyres at the Right Pressure
Correctly inflated tyres are safer and last longer. A tyre that is under inflated by just 1psi can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 3%. An under or over inflated tyre is also more susceptible to failing.
5 Avoid Carrying Excess Weight
For every extra 100 lbs (45 kg) you carry your fuel efficiency can drop by 1-2%. So keep your boot or back seat clear of unnecessary items that just add weight to your vehicle.
6 Remove the Roof Rack
If you’re not using your roof rack, then remove it. They affect the aerodynamic efficiency of vehicles and create drag, reducing fuel economy by as much as 5%.
7 Use the Correct Oil
Always use the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant can improve fuel efficiency by 1-2%. Higher quality motor oils can help your engine operate more efficiently.
8 Fuel Matters
All fuels are not created equal. Fuel economy is maximised in the engine through a combination of good driving habits and using the right fuel…one that helps reduce friction and improves cleanliness in the engine, thereby improving fuel efficiency. The Taylors have chosen Shell fuel to power their Guinness World Records as a result of their own personal tests of several commercially-available fuels and their belief in Shell’s product quality.
9 Avoid Excess Idling
Idling gets you nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn the engine off when you’re in a queue, or waiting for someone, until you need it.
10 Plan Trips Carefully
Cutting down on the time spent in the car is the easiest way to conserve fuel. To reduce driving time, combine all your short trips and errands into a single journey.
11 Avoid Over Revving
Change gears prudently when you’re accelerating. Never ‘redline’ the rev counter.
12 Keep Your Distance
Leave a sensible distance between yourself and the car ahead to give you ample time to brake safely.
13 Avoid High Speeds
The faster you go, the more wind resistance you’ll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume just to maintain speed. Driving just 5mph over the speed limit can affect fuel economy by up to 23%.
14 Use Air Conditioning Sparingly
Air conditioning puts added strain on the engine and uses fuel to operate, so limit use to particularly hot or cold days. When possible use the fan instead.
15 Breathing In
A clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10%, because insufficient air intake means each combustion is less efficient
16 Avoid Rush Hour
If you can travel outside of peak times, do so, you’ll spend less time stuck in traffic and consume less fuel as a result
17 Conserve Momentum
Instead of coasting when you reach a downward slope, maintain steady engine revs. This will mean you pick up speed, and if you’ve then got a hill to climb, it gives you considerable added momentum to help go up it, energy efficiently.
18 Ensure Your Fuel Cap is Air Tight
Fuel evaporates every time you open the fuel cap. To stop this, make larger fill-ups as opposed to repeatedly topping up your tank.
19 Keep Calm
When you’re not calm, you’re more likely to make errors of judgment. Fuel efficiency is all about smoothness, and keeping calm is absolutely crucial to achieving best fuel economy results.
20 Headwinds
When you’re faced with a headwind, the engine has to work much harder to cover the same distance because of drag. The only thing to do is to moderate your speed to ensure that the engine doesn’t end up labouring too hard.
21 Use Handbrakes on Slopes
Some motorists fail to make use of handbrakes when stopping their vehicles on a slope. Instead they either ride their clutch (for manual transmission), or use the accelerator (for auto vehicles), to keep the vehicle from rolling.
22 Drive Downhill in Gear
Driving down hill in neutral (free wheeling) you will use some fuel. When you drive down hill in gear (the safest gear under the circumstances) in a modern day car you will use NO fuel whatsoever
23 The Driver
By far the most important factor in the reduction of fuel consumption is you. This is good news, it is one part of the Fuel Economy equation you have control over. The rule is simply SLOW DOWN. There is no need to ‘stomp’ the accelerator into the carpet to the next red traffic light. Remember this – It is possible to achieve the same speeds using far less fuel by simply being patient. If you’re using your brakes unnecessarily you’re essentially wasting energy. Try to anticipate traffic situations, it’s safer TOO.
24 Travel Light - Ladies
Travel light - Take out shopping, shoes, clothes, baby seats from your car when not required, leave them at home. The more weight you carry, the higher your fuel consumption will be.
25 Preparation - Before You Drive!
Leave home at a time that enables you a relaxed journey. Plan ahead so you have your hair done and your make-up on BEFORE you leave the house. You will arrive safe and driving smoothly you will consume less fuel.
26 Never Operate a Telephone While Driving
Have your mobile phone ear piece attached prior to turning on your engine. Never drive without a telephone hands free accessory. Better still pull off the road into a safe static area, thus reducing distractions dangerous to other road users.
27 Plan Your Journey
Plan your route, avoid traffic rush hour situations where possible. Check the map before leaving, thus being more fluid with your driving. Stop starting, or getting lost, burns up a great deal of fuel.
28 Accelerate Gradually - Maintain Consistent Speeds
Accelerate gradually when moving off. Fast starts burn a lot more fuel. Australia is condusive to good fuel economy, with speed limits of 50 to 100 km per hour on most city roads and highways. Try to maintain consistent speeds, where the speed limit laws allow.
29 Enjoy Your Drive
Read the road ahead, signal early, drive smoothly and as relaxed as you possibly can. Smooth consistent driving will result in better economy figures.
30 Driving With Children and Babies
When driving with children and babies, it is important to have them settled BEFORE you start your journey. Ensure they are content and you will have no unnecessary distractions. The result will be a smoother and safer journey!
