You cannot control the fuel price, but you can control how much fuel your car uses. These seven habits cost nothing, or very little, and they work for most cars.
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- Drive smoothly. Hard acceleration and sudden braking waste fuel. Press the pedals gently.
- Look ahead. If you see a red light or slow traffic, lift your foot early and let the car slow down, instead of braking at the last second.
- Keep a steady speed. Fuel use rises quickly at high speed because of air resistance.
- Check your tire pressure. Low pressure increases fuel use and wears the tires. Use the pressure shown on the sticker in the door frame or in your manual. Check it when the tires are cold.
- Remove extra weight. Take out heavy things you do not need. Remove roof racks and roof boxes when you are not using them, because they create extra drag.
- Use the air conditioning wisely. It uses extra energy. Use it when you need it, not by habit.
- Keep the car in good condition. A dirty air filter, worn spark plugs, the wrong oil or a faulty sensor can all increase fuel use. If your check engine light is on, get it checked.
Bonus habits
- Avoid long idling. If you are going to wait for a while, switch the engine off when it is safe to do so.
- Combine short trips into one. A cold engine uses more fuel.
- Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic and unnecessary distance.
Results depend on your car and your roads, so do not expect miracles. Be careful with "fuel saving" gadgets sold online. Most of them do not do what they promise.
Golden tip: Track your fuel use for a month. When you see the numbers, it is easier to keep the good habits.
What is your best fuel-saving tip? Share it in the comments.
This article is for general information only. Cars differ, so always follow your owner's manual and ask a qualified mechanic if you are unsure.
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