Apr

29

Fuel Saving Tips to Save Money and Help the Environment

Posted In: Personal Finance

Fuel saving or fuel economy is a most wanted factor for every vehicle owner because the more the saving, the more you gain a bonus on your budget. Moreover it is a global responsibility to ensure proper use of this important natural resource, which is vanishing every day due to excessive consumption. We can really turn the scene green if we can plan our fuel expense methodically and practically.

It may sound funny, but if you can keep eye on minute wastage of fuel it will save a lot at the end of the month, and once you make this a conscious habit, it will work as a recurring account in your savings plan. Turning off the engine at every red signal is not tough, it needs to be practiced. Once you have done the practice religiously, you will be able to follow this habit even absentmindedly. So the first fuel saving plan is to use fuel restrictively and on necessity only.

Another very effective policy to save fuel is to reduce unnecessary speed. Once you start driving at a moderate pace, you should maintain uniformity of speed. Once a consistent speed is imposed on driving, you will be able to save a considerable amount of fuel at the end of the journey. And driving at moderate speed does not mean crawling. In fact, a moderate pace actually means driving at a considerable pace. It’s just that this fuel saving option demands good judgment from the driver. The driver should know the best possible acceleration which can be maintained at last for five-seven minutes. If s/he is frequently required to break immediately after loosening gear, it proves is a lack of judgment on his/her part, and it is a shortcoming that will surely lead to fuel wastage. So that’s the second, and easily attainable, option for fuel saving.

You need to check you air filter frequently in order to get better fuel efficiency on your car. The cleaner the filter, the more will be the fuel economy. You can check it yourself; take it apart and hold against sunlight. If the filter is clean, it will allow the sun’s rays to come through it, and if it is not, it will look clogged. If clogged, it is better to change the filter for the sake of better oxygen inlet. So remember, a clean filter is your third fuel saving option.

Tire pressure maintenance is one of the most crucial parts of your fuel saving plan. While driving, you need to check the tire pressure at least once a month. And the pressure has to be checked when your car is at rest. Otherwise, if the reading is taken while driving, you will get an erroneous reading, because while driving the tires along with the air inside the car are heated up, so you will get an intensified reading. So the best process to control and check tire pressure is to purchase a branded tire gauge to measure tire pressure at least once a month. Proper tire pressure saves 20% fuel expense on driving.

Any driver will have noticed that sometimes, bigger vehicles seem to be holding a steadier speed on road while smaller cars to accelerate and slow down frequently. Although there cannot be any specific comparison between the two modes of driving, if we look at the matter from the point of view of fuel economy, the bigger vehicles with their steady pace save more fuel than the more erratic small vehicles. Moreover, we tend to replace small cars for better leg space and carrying capacity. But if you are really fuel conscious, think twice before going for a bigger car. Is it really required? If safety is the main concern, then small cars are now as safe as big ones from the point of view of technology and infinitely more fuel friendly.

Everyone likes the comfort of an air conditioner in summer. However, unless you are traveling in extreme heat or dust, why not make an effort to turn off your air conditioning and enjoy the natural air? Unless it is raining cats and dogs or an extremely hot breeze is blowing, the natural air will keep you fresh and revitalized. However, if you are going to keep an appointment, it is better to switch on the air conditioner, otherwise your fuel-saving may ruin your formal dress and hair style. But jokes apart, turning off the air conditioner saves considerable fuel.

Yet another temptation for auto owners is, primarily thanks to promotions on television channels, is to go for wheel makeovers, which seem simply amazing, but practically speaking, makeovers and new looks are absolutely fatal to fuel economy. If the tire is wide and bigger, it may add an obvious sporty look and better maneuverability but your fuel economy plan will go with the wind. The sporty tires will consume more fuel because of an increase in roll-on friction. So why not just re-install the stock tires and enjoy the fuel economy on them?

A very important part of fuel economy is to clean your car on a regular basis. And I don’t mean just a polish of the outside or a shampoo wash of the interior; I am talking about leaving things in your car. If you habitually do this, make sure you remove the unwanted items from your car. If the car drives weight-free, your fuel expense will definitely go down. So another efficient remedy for fuel economy is keeping the car lug free.

There is another surefire policy for maintaining fuel economy. It may sound awkward, but if you drive less and in necessity only, it will add to fuel economy. If you are going shopping, go to a nearby shop, or club shopping with your evening walk. Not only will it help you manage your exercise schedule, but also cut your expense on fuel. Ask yourself before each drive, ‘is it really essential?’, and decide on the answer honestly.

For More fuel saving tips or to learn about alternative fuel sources like biodiesel click the link.

Article Source: Fuel Saving Tips to Save Money and Help the Environment