What do we look in a car when we are considering buying a one? Fuel-efficiency, safety, transmission, cost of ownership- these are just some of the factors you look when you buy a brand new car. However, once you are a proud owner of your vehicle, not only do you have to think about fuel consumption expense but also expenses like insurance and maintenance etc. To help you minimize those extra yet necessary expenses, here are five tips you may consider.
Formulate a Travel Plan
Making an effective and efficient travel plan before stepping out in your vehicle can help you save from unnecessary driving on city roads for running everyday chores. Doing this might seem unnecessary and irrelevant but in long run this can prove helpful to keep your everyday fuel consumption in check and in turn saving some of your hard-earned money.
Tire Pressure
Inflation of tires to the correct pressure will do you wonders to help you keep your fuel consumption in check. Driving around on tyre having low pressure increases the rolling resistance of tyres on the ground surface which result in considerably high consumption of fuel to help your vehicle with low tyre pressure. So, it is probably the best idea to get your tyre pressure checked once in a while as low rolling resistance of tyre will help you on road by rolling on the surface of the road effortlessly in turn improving the gas mileage of your vehicle and thus, its fuel consumption.
Limit A/C usage
It is preferable to avoid using air conditioner too much as it can increase your fuel consumption significantly by up to 10-20 % because of extra load on the car’s engine. SO, if the weather outside is bearable, just roll the windows down and enjoy the wind gushing by your hair and give your A/C a rest.
Follow the Recommended Speed Limit
It is advisable and highly recommended to follow the acceptable speed limit to circumvent any unnecessary wear and tear and excessive fuel consumption. It is tempting to defy the authorities and thrilling to speed your vehicle to its maximum limit. Some people just love the speed but most experts believe that maintaining a speed limit of 30-55 mph will not only help you keep your fuel consumption in check, also keep you safe and away from any hazardous accidents.
Keep Your Cargo Weight in Check
Cargo weight plays an important role in your vehicle’s fuel-efficiency. According to experts, for every 100 pounds of additional weight than recommended can increase the fuel consumption up to 2%. Therefore, it would be in your best interest if you refrain from loading unnecessary or extra luggage in the trunk space of your car. 2% increase in fuel consumption might not look too much in short-term fuel consumption expenditure but in the long-term even saving as little as 2% might work in your favour.
