Follow a few tips and you would not only be reducing your fuel bills but also be contributing to the welfare of the society by helping reduce global warming:

Fuel Efficient Engines

If you want to save money on fuel opt for fuel efficient engines. Make it a point to check the fuel economy details before buying.

Engine Care

Tests on a large number of vehicles prove that as much as 6% fuel can be saved by tuning the vehicle regularly. If your engine emits black smoke, has poor pulling power or consumes large quantities of oil, get it checked immediately. A delay may prove more expensive in terms of petrol and oil as compared to the cost of an overhaul.

Economy Zone

Every vehicle has an optimum fuel economy zone which generally ranges between 45 kms/hr and 55 kms/hr. Maintain the speed limit.

Choke

Use choke to start only if necessary. Put it off as soon as the engine starts.

Air Filter

Air filter prevents dust from fouling the engine. Dust causes rapid wear of engine components and increases fuel consumption. Hence, clean the air filter regularly.

Gear Change

To get maximum power:

• Start with 1st gear

• Shift to 2nd gear with an approx speed of 10 kms/hr

• Shift to 3rd gear with an approx speed of 20-25 kms/hr

• Shift to 4th gear with an approx speed of 30-32 kms/hr

Use over drive gear. When you use overdrive gearing, your car’s engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding gear change.

Braking

Anticipate braking needs and apply brakes gradually. Reduce speed by changing to lower gear. Unless the vehicle comes to a dead stop, do not use 1st gear. Instead use the 2nd or 3rd gear depending on the speed.

Starts/Stops

Avoid frequent starts/stops. This will help in saving battery and starter overheating/failure.

Clutch

While pressing the accelerator release the clutch gradually. Never ride with the clutch pedal/lever pressed. This will not only give better mileage but will also save clutch wear.

Tyre Pressure

Keep an eye on the tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance which leads to higher consumption of fuel. A 25% decrease in tyre pressure leads to 5-10% more consumption of fuel and approx. 25% tyre life. Radial tyres can result in 3-7% fuel saving.

Excessive Weight

Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your car especially the heavy ones. Extra weight can reduce the mileage of your vehicle. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle’s weight. Smaller vehicles are more affected than larger ones.

Car Pooling

Share cars with friends while going to office/travelling.

Use Recommended Grade Of Engine Oil

Use only the recommended grade of engine oil. Right engine oil gives more power, more performance, longer oil life, and keeps the engine healthy. Engine oil that is thicker than recommended can cause 2% increase in fuel consumption. Change oil filter whenever you change the engine oil.